The Lab Manager will lead the Corrugated Innovation & Testing Lab in Carol Stream, which serves as a hub for performance testing and technical validation of packaging solutions across North America. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day lab operations, supporting product development initiatives, and executing test protocols for both innovation projects and manufacturing support requests. The ideal candidate will ensure lab output aligns with business needs and technical rigor, while fostering a collaborative and safety-focused culture. How you will impact Smurfit Westrock: \u2022 Manage lab personnel, equipment, scheduling, and test protocols to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with innovation priorities \u2022 Support R&D and commercialization efforts by conducting or coordinating mechanical, material, and environmental testing on corrugated board and packaging prototypes \u2022 Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and industry testing best practices \u2022 Partner with product development, application development, and design teams to validate concepts and prototypes with timely feedback and actionable data \u2022 Maintain and evolve lab capabilities to support the future technical needs of the Corrugated division, including the integration of new testing methods and digital tools \u2022 Collaborate with plant technical teams to troubleshoot customer quality concerns and validate manufacturing process improvements What you need to succeed: \u2022 Bachelor\u2019s degree in Packaging Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field \u2022 10+ years in a lab or testing environment within the packaging or paper industry; corrugated packaging experience preferred \u2022 Experience managing technical staff and overseeing lab operations \u2022 Familiarity with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards for corrugated packaging \u2022 Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills \u2022 Ability to translate test results into insights for technical and commercial teams \u2022 Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment What We Offer \u2022 A corporate culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence \u2022 A competitive salary and bonus structure that reflects skills, competencies and potential \u2022 Comprehensive training and development opportunities \u2022 Career growth within a global packaging leader where safety, quality, sustainability and people are fundamental to daily operations Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward. 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.