Associate Packaging Design
Smurfit Westrock plc, Marlton, NJ, United States
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
The salary range for this position is $59,625.00 - $99,375.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short‑term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.
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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
The salary range for this position is $59,625.00 - $99,375.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short‑term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.
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