What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Packaging Design position at Smurfit Westrock?
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team. This entry-level, structural display and packaging design opportunity is ideal for a recent graduate in industrial design, packaging design, or someone eager to gain practical experience in a fast-paced, collaborative design environment. This role is focused on providing critical support to our sales, project management, and design team in the daily execution of projects, offering valuable exposure to the POP (Point of Purchase) display industry. 3D thinking and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are required.
The Opportunity
As an Associate Designer, you’ll be a key part of our design team, helping bring ideas to life through hands-on execution. In this role, you’ll assist in developing and preparing POP displays, including plant assembly instructions, white samples, and mockups. You’ll also take ownership of organizing project materials, managing outbound shipments, and maintaining documentation—all while gaining valuable exposure to Smurfit Westrock’s fully integrated design, manufacturing, and assembly processes.
What you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
- Develop structural spec packages for POP displays and packaging
- Create clear, accurate pack-out and assembly instructions utilizing Illustrator and ArtiosCAD.
- Cut and assemble white samples using Kongsberg cutting tables
- Construct presentation-quality mockups using wide-format printers and other prototyping tools
- Prepare, pack, and ship samples and presentation materials using standard shipping platforms
- Maintain well-organized records of project files, instructions, and materials
- Collaborate with designers to meet project timelines and deliverables
- Gain firsthand experience with a turnkey organization - from design, to manufacturing, and to assembly
- Communicate effectively, follow detailed instructions, and consistently meet deadlines
What you need to succeed:
- Related experience in a creative, technical, or production-focused setting is a plus
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; familiarity with InDesign & Photoshop
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- A basic ability to visualize and understand how flat parts fold and assemble in 3D
- A mechanically inclined mindset is a plus
- Eagerness to learn new design software and industry equipment
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship in building physical samples and documentation
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- A proactive, reliable work ethic and a strong desire to learn and grow professionally
- Good communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative way
- Self-motivation, enjoying a high-paced environment with an ability to coordinate multiple projects
What we offer:
- A workplace culture built on the values of integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
- A collaborative, team-oriented environment that promotes learning and knowledge sharing
- Hands-on training with industry-standard tools, software, and equipment
- Exposure to all aspects of the POP display lifecycle
- Competitive hourly compensation
- The opportunity to grow within a global leader in the paper and packaging industry