R&D Specialist

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

About the role

The R&D Specialist is responsible for the development, optimization, and industrialization of injection-molded plastic components for food packaging applications. This role combines expertise in materials science, polymer processing, and product development, working at the interface between R&D, Industrialization, Manufacturing, Quality, and external suppliers to bring innovative solutions from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Injection-molded product development: from concept and design through optimization, validation, and industrialization.
• Materials science and polymer technology: evaluating materials and their performance to develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Manufacturing and process engineering: understanding injection molding technologies, process optimization, tooling, and scale-up to production.
• Cross-functional collaboration: working closely with R&D, Industrialization, Production, Quality, Procurement, and external suppliers to deliver successful product launches.
• End-to-end innovation projects: participating in multidisciplinary projects that transform ideas into commercially successful products.
• International R&D environment: collaborating with colleagues across Europe and completing an onboarding program at our R&D centers in Italy and Spain to gain a comprehensive understanding of our technologies, products, and global innovation processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Food Science & Technology, Product Design (Packaging specialization), or a related discipline with a focus on plastics or injection molding processes.
• Academic or thesis work exposure to innovative materials, sustainable packaging, or polymer processing.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molding, food contact regulations (MOCA), and 3D CAD software such as CREO or SOLIDWORKS (advantageous).
• Fluency in English; additional languages, particularly Spanish or Italian, are a plus.
• Enjoyment of multidisciplinary teamwork and partnering with colleagues across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations.
• Eagerness to learn, solve technical challenges, and take initiative to explore new ideas and technologies.
• Methodical, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with colleagues, suppliers, and external partners.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including an initial 3–4 month training program at our R&D facilities in Italy and Spain, followed by occasional travel to collaborate with colleagues, manufacturing sites, and suppliers.

Benefits

• Benefit eligibility begins Day 1
• Medical with HSA
• Dental
• Vision
• Mental Health
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Paid vacation time & holidays
• Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities

Pay

$44,250 - $73,750 Salary

Schedule

Non-Exempt
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Onsite)

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.