Be ready to go over:

• Self-directed learning – How you keep your skills sharp and research unfamiliar technologies.
• Handling ambiguity – Working through projects where documentation might be sparse or requirements are still developing.
• Problem-solving frameworks – Your step-by-step approach to diagnosing an error in a system you didn't build.

Example scenarios:

• You are assigned to work on a legacy system written in a language you have never used. How do you prepare yourself for the task?
• Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or documentation.

Operational & Mill-Environment Fit

For roles located at or supporting manufacturing plants and paper mills, understanding the physical realities of the business is crucial. The team wants to ensure you respect the operational constraints of a 24/7 manufacturing facility.

Be ready to go over:

• Mill and plant operations – Any exposure to supply chains, inventory software, or physical plant safety.
• Cross-functional communication – How you work with non-technical staff to gather software requirements.
• System uptime – Understanding the critical nature of software reliability when system downtime can halt physical production.

Example scenarios:

• How would you gather software requirements from a plant operator who has no background in computer science?
• If a software update you deployed caused a delay on a packaging line, what immediate steps would you take to resolve the issue?

As a Software Engineer at Smurfit Westrock, your daily responsibilities will center around supporting the digital infrastructure that keeps the company's manufacturing and logistics operations running smoothly.

• System Development & Integration: You will write, test, and maintain software applications that support enterprise operations, plant floor automation, and logistics. This often involves integrating modern APIs with legacy manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Collaboration with Operations: You will work closely with engineering managers, plant operators, and corporate IT teams to understand operational pain points and translate them into functional software solutions.
• System Monitoring & Maintenance: You will ensure the continuous uptime of critical systems. When bugs or system failures occur, you will troubleshoot and deploy hotfixes quickly to minimize any operational disruptions.
• Technology Modernization: You will assist in migrating older, legacy applications to modern, scalable architectures, helping to digitize traditional manufacturing workflows.

The ideal candidate for this role is a practical problem-solver who values teamwork and continuous learning over theoretical perfection.

Technical Skills

• Must-have skills:
  • Proficiency in at least one major programming language (such as C#, Java, Python, or C++).
  • Strong understanding of database fundamentals and SQL.
  • Familiarity with standard software development practices, including version control (Git) and testing.
• Nice-to-have skills:
  • Experience with enterprise software architectures or Cloud platforms (Azure/AWS).
  • Experience working with manufacturing execution systems (MES), SCADA, or ERP systems.
  • Prior exposure to industrial automation or IoT devices.

Professional Experience & Soft Skills

• Experience level: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. The company is highly welcoming to both recent graduates and experienced engineers.
• Adaptability: A proven track record of learning new software tools and methodologies quickly.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical developers and non-technical mill staff.

Q: Is there a live coding or Leetcode-style technical test? A: Typically, no. The interview process focuses on your resume, your past projects, and your practical software knowledge. The team is much more interested in your ability to learn and collaborate than your ability to solve abstract algorithmic puzzles under a timer.

Q: What is the company culture like for engineers? A: The culture is highly collaborative, relaxed, and supportive. Teams are close-knit, and there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance and mutual respect. You will find that experienced engineers are very willing to mentor junior team members.

Q: Do I need prior experience in the paper or packaging industry to apply? A: No. While prior experience in a mill or manufacturing plant is a nice-to-have, it is not a requirement. The hiring team is fully prepared to teach you the operational aspects of the business as long as you have solid software fundamentals and a willingness to learn.

Q: How fast does the hiring team make decisions? A: The process is generally very fast. Because there are few interview stages, many candidates receive feedback or an offer within three to five days of their final interview.

To ensure your interview experience is as successful as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Highlight your adaptability: Throughout the interview, emphasize your ability to learn on the fly. Share specific examples of times you successfully mastered a new tool, language, or domain quickly.
• Be ready for personal questions: The team genuinely wants to get to know you. Do not be surprised if they ask about your hobbies, what you enjoy doing in your free time, or how you stay motivated. Be authentic and conversational.
• Research the location: Smurfit Westrock has facilities all over the world. Make sure you know whether the position you are interviewing for is based at a corporate office, a regional hub, or a physical paper mill, as this will influence the types of operational questions you might face.

• Prepare thoughtful questions: Ask your interviewers about the specific operational challenges their team is currently tackling, how they handle system updates during active manufacturing hours, or what they enjoy most about working at the company.

A Software Engineer position at Smurfit Westrock offers a unique opportunity to build software that has a tangible, real-world impact. By supporting the systems that power global manufacturing and sustainable packaging, your code will help keep supply chains moving efficiently. The interview process is designed to be accessible, conversational, and focused on your practical abilities and cultural fit.

As you prepare, focus on structuring your resume walk-throughs, highlighting your adaptability, and demonstrating a genuine curiosity about how the company's physical operations work. Approach the interview as a two-way conversation to ensure the team and the company culture are a great fit for your career goals.

The salary data above provides a representative range for software engineering roles at Smurfit Westrock. When evaluating compensation, consider the overall package, including health benefits, retirement contributions, and the cost of living associated with your specific location, particularly if you are based near one of the company's major manufacturing facilities. For more detailed insights and preparation resources, you can explore additional interview experiences and company data on Dataford.