WestRock Company · 2 months ago
R&D Intern - Summer 2026, Carol Stream IL
Carol Stream, IL
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$0/yr - $0/yr
Start in 2026 SummerWestRock Company is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. The R&D Intern will work with the Corrugated Packaging Innovation Team to develop and evaluate packaging performance through various test methods and engineering principles.
CommercialManufacturingPackaging ServicesPaper ManufacturingSustainability
Responsibilities
Develop knowledge and experience with a broad spectrum of test methods and engineering principles used to develop, evaluate, and improve performance-based packaging
Conduct testing and evaluation of Corrugated Board, Base Materials, and Boxes using TAPPI Test Methods
Analyze test data from packaging components to evaluate how these properties affect overall package performance
Simulate various storage and distribution environments using ISTA, ASTM, and customized test protocols
Evaluate and qualify packaged product solutions through testing
Set up prototypes for testing, perform test procedures, evaluate results, and report/present findings
Research topics important for WestRock to Defend, Improve, and/or Gain business
Develop project plans, submit project and testing plans for approval, gather or produce samples for testing, perform appropriate tests, analyze test data, and present findings to R&D leadership team
Qualification
Required
Candidates should be majoring in a technical field of study
Areas of study could include Packaging Science, Paper Science, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or Other Sciences
Candidates should have an interest in a career in the packaging industry focusing on Corrugated Packaging
Preferred
Classwork and/or experience related to the physical properties of packaging materials will be helpful background for this position
Classwork and/or experience related to package design and/or testing is ideal background for this candidate
Benefits
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
10 days of paid vacation
11 days of paid holidays
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