Research And Development Specialist

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with over 100 000 employees working in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting plants and 62 paper mills. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

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.

What You’ll be Exposed to

As part of our international R&D team, you will gain hands-on experience across the entire product development lifecycle, including:

• 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.
• An 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.

What You Bring

• You have recently completed a 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.
• Your academic or thesis work has exposed you 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 would be a strong advantage.
• You are fluent in English. Additional languages, particularly Spanish or Italian, are considered a plus.
• You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams and partnering with colleagues across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to deliver innovative solutions.
• You are eager to learn, enjoy solving technical challenges, and take initiative to explore new ideas and technologies.
• You are methodical, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a structured approach to problem-solving.
• You are comfortable interacting with colleagues, suppliers, and external partners, and have the communication skills to build effective working relationships.
• Internationally minded and willing to travel as part of your development, 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.

Our commitment to Inclusive Workplace

Smurfit Westrock is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, status as a Vietnam Era, disabled veteran, special disabled veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal Veteran, recently separated or other protected veteran. Smurfit Westrock also complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination in places where Smurfit Westrock operates.