Process Engineering Intern, New Product Introduction

Summary

As a James Hardie intern, you will gain hands-on experience in your chosen field while contributing to meaningful projects that drive business results. Our 12-week paid internship program is designed to provide real-world industry exposure, strengthen your professional and technical skills, and help prepare you for a successful career. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with experienced professionals, build valuable relationships across the organization, and take on work that makes a measurable impact. You will also have access to mentoring opportunities and professional development resources to support your growth and career aspirations.

What You’ll Do:

Internship Objective

Participate in product development, process optimization, and validation projects while building practical knowledge of engineering fundamentals, manufacturing processes, material development, and project management. The intern will collaborate with cross-functional teams on trials, data analysis, technical documentation, and project execution that advance active New Product Introduction initiatives.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Contribute successfully to one or more active NPI projects from planning through execution or an established milestone.
• Build a stronger understanding of product development, process engineering, manufacturing operations, and project execution.
• Demonstrate growth in technical problem-solving, data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Present detailed project results to a technical audience and communicate broader business relevance to senior leaders.

Internship Responsibilities

Materials and Formulation Development

• Evaluate alternative raw-material suppliers for existing formulations.
• Investigate opportunities to increase the inclusion of lower-cost raw materials in existing formulations.
• Assist with development and implementation of new technology related to capstock formulations and new colors.

Trials and Validation

• Support planning, execution, data collection, and validation for assigned NPI trials.
• Assist other NPI engineers with trials to gain a broader perspective of manufacturing operations and development projects.
• Analyze results using appropriate statistical methods and document conclusions, risks, and recommended next steps.

Manufacturing and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, R&D, and other partners to advance project milestones.
• Gain exposure to manufacturing operations across WPC, railing, and PVC plants.
• Develop technical documentation that demonstrates increased understanding of the manufacturing process and assigned projects.

Project Communication

• Manage multiple priorities and provide timely project updates.
• Prepare technical summaries, presentations, and final project documentation.
• Present project results to technical stakeholders and translate key findings for a senior-leadership audience.

What You’ll Bring:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Engineering or a related discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029 (rising junior or rising senior).
• Strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Reliable transportation to and from the work location.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills

• Pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics, Polymer, Materials, Manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with statistical analysis software such as Minitab.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on approach to learning and developing skills in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience developing technical documentation and presenting to a technical audience.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $20 to $25 per hour. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and may change over time.

• Full-time work experience and competitive pay
• Meaningful projects with business impact
• Mentorship and guidance
• Feedback and evaluation
• Exposure to James Hardie culture
• Networking opportunities and skill development

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