Design Accelerator Program, 2027
About The Position
As a participant in the Design Accelerator Program (DAP), you will gain hands-on experience across Design, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, and Customer Engagement while helping deliver innovative packaging solutions for our customers. The Design Accelerator Program is a full-time, paid rotational development program designed to build future packaging design leaders. Over approximately 12 months, participants gain structured experience across multiple functions, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop the technical, commercial, operational, and leadership skills needed for a successful career at Smurfit Westrock. Successful participants may transition into a full-time Designer role with continued development and growth opportunities.
Requirements
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers, business partners, and technical teams.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional teams.
- Willingness to travel and relocate during rotational assignments as business needs require.
- Customer-focused mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Initiative, accountability, and a desire to build a career in packaging design and leadership.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in packaging, manufacturing, product development, engineering, or related fields.
- Familiarity with CAD software, packaging design tools, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar programs.
- Exposure to manufacturing environments or customer-facing projects.
- Experience leading team projects, student organizations, athletics, volunteer initiatives, or other leadership activities.
- Interest in packaging innovation, sustainability, and customer engagement.
Responsibilities
- Support packaging design projects from concept through production.
- Develop prototypes, mockups, specifications, and production-ready solutions.
- Learn how packaging designs are manufactured and implemented in real-world operations.
- Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to solve business challenges.
- Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and innovation projects.
- Present ideas, recommendations, and project updates to business leaders and customers.
- Build knowledge of corrugated packaging, sustainability, manufacturing processes, and packaging innovation.
- Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and accountability through rotational assignments and special projects.
- Participate in professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities designed to accelerate your career.
Benefits
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
- An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
- short-term bonus incentive
- health, dental and vision insurance
- flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
- retirement savings plans
- life and disability insurance programs
- paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law
- 15 days of paid vacation
- 11 days of paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
