Lead Scientist, R&D

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The Lead Innovation Research Scientist will play a critical role in advancing new product development and application development initiatives within Smurfit WestRock’s Corrugated Packaging innovation team. This role is focused on solving technical challenges through hands-on experimentation, material development, and performance validation. The ideal candidate will bring a strong engineering background, with specific experience in coatings, substrates, and corrugated packaging performance. They will focus on transitioning ideas into feasible and viable packaging solutions, balancing customer needs, performance, cost, and sustainability.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Drive the development and optimization of new corrugated packaging solutions, from concept through validation
• Conduct lab-scale and pilot testing of coatings, substrates, and packaging structures to meet customer requirements
• Lead the evaluation of performance characteristics (moisture resistance, strength, printability, etc.) under varied environmental and manufacturing conditions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, operations, and commercialization teams to ensure product scalability and manufacturability
• Contribute to the creation of technical documentation, specifications, and design of experiments (DoE)
• Analyze test results, identify trends, and make technical recommendations to guide development decisions
• Monitor emerging technologies, materials, and suppliers to inform R&D pipeline and coatings strategies
• Facilitate customer trials, technical troubleshooting, and plant engagement during product scale-up and implementation

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Packaging Science, or a related engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience in packaging R&D, preferably with a focus on coatings and corrugated material
• Hands-on experience with lab testing protocols and physical property evaluation of paper and board
• Knowledge of paper chemistry, barrier technologies, surface treatments, and packaging converting processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a passion for hands-on experimentation
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across technical and commercial functions
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment
• Travel percentage: approximately 50%

What We Offer

• A corporate culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
• A competitive salary and bonus structure that reflects skills, competencies and potential
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Career growth within a global packaging leader where safety, quality, sustainability and people are fundamental to daily operations

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. The salary range for this position is $124,125.00 - $206,875.00, 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. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at and the application window is expected to close by 30-Apr-2026.