R&D Specialist

R&D SPECIALIST $44,250 - $73,750 Salary Non-Exempt Monday – Friday 8a-5p (Onsite) The Opportunity: 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. How you will impact Smurfit Westrock: 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 need to succeed: You have recently completed a Bachelors or 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. What we offer: Benefit eligibility begins Day 1 Benefits include: Medical w/ HSA Mental Health 401(k) with 5% company match Paid vacation time & holidays Life Insurance & AD&D Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance Tuition Reimbursement. Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr