WestRock Company · 3 months ago
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Summer 2026
Greater Richmond Region
Internship
Onsite
Intern
Start in 2026 SummerWestRock Company is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, seeking a Research, Innovation & Design Co-op for Summer 2026. The role offers students or recent graduates the opportunity to gain real-world design experience while supporting the Design team in driving sustainable packaging innovation.
CommercialManufacturingPackaging ServicesPaper ManufacturingSustainability
Responsibilities
Support the Design team in solving problems based on customer requests, operational improvements, and market opportunities
Participate in design ideation to support customer or platform innovation projects
Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction in managing design-related responsibilities for key accounts and projects through timely execution of deliverables including prototypes, white samples, and graphic mock-ups
Communicate effectively with stakeholders and articulate design intent
Qualification
Required
Professional proficiency of Microsoft Office products – Power Point, Word, Excel required
Advanced ability to understand 3D concepts
Proficiency in operation of equipment including CAD Tables and 3D printers
Ability to support the execution of graphic visuals, packaging layouts, mockups and marketing collateral with direction from teammates and Design Manager
Understands basic print processes and mock-up production work flow, including preparing files for Roland printing
Interest in carton manufacturing processes, Consumer Packaged Goods production processes, supply chains, automation and/or fit-for-use testing
Creative design generation: active participation in design ideation to support customer or platform innovation projects
Robust execution: maintains highest levels of customer satisfaction in managing design related responsibilities for key accounts and projects through timely and independent execution of deliverables including prototypes, white samples and graphic mock-ups
Effective and clear communication, including clear expectation-setting with stakeholders and articulation of design intent
You promote and uphold a safe, inclusive, customer-obsessed, collaborative, and high-performance team culture
You have a learning mindset and are eager to tackle complex tasks independently after initial introduction
You are accountable to the business stakeholders not only for excellent outcomes
You work well independently and within team environments
You have excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
You're a planner. You are extremely organized, diligent and have a positive attitude to take on and execute projects and requests accurately and in a timely manner
You can manage a dynamic workload, prioritize and delegate to excel in a fast-paced environment
Ability to bend, reach and frequently lift items up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 lbs
Preferred
Gaining proficiency in Artios CAD, SolidWorks 3D and Adobe Suite preferred
Completing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in industrial design, Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Design Engineering or specialized Engineering Degree based in mechanical engineering disciplines from an accredited institution is preferred
Benefits
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
Company
WestRock Company
Smurfit Westrock is the global leader of paper-based packaging solutions.
Founded in 1953
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
WestRock Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (14)
2023 (25)
2022 (8)
2021 (24)
2020 (21)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2023-09-12Acquired
2015-07-02IPO
Leadership Team
S
Samuel Shoemaker
President, Consumer Packaging
Recent News
2026-01-09
Company data provided by crunchbase