R&D Polymer Science Intern - AZEK

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.

Internship Objective

Develop practical polymer science and materials characterization skills through hands-on texture scanning, digital post-processing, and performance analysis of polymer decking. The intern will use physical and digital measurement tools to identify texture attributes that influence scratch, scuff, and surface-mark resistance, then translate the findings into a defined operating window.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Build proficiency with texture-scanning equipment and digital file-processing methods.
• Analyze texture and performance data to identify meaningful relationships and conclusions.
• Summarize the testing approach, results, and learnings in a professional written report and capstone presentation

What You’ll Do:

Texture Scanning

• Scan physical textures using available tools at the Wilmington location, including laser profilometers and an optical scanner.
• Follow established equipment procedures and maintain organized, traceable scan files.

Digital Processing and Analysis

• Process digital texture files and prepare them for analysis.
• Evaluate texture data against performance criteria such as scratch and mar resistance.
• Identify texture attributes that contribute to the desired performance criteria and help define an operating window.

Project Reporting

• Track project progress and findings through weekly updates.
• Document the testing approach, data analysis, conclusions, and key learnings in a written report.

What You’ll Bring:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation 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

• Target major: polymer science, material science, chemical engineering, chemistry
• Aptitude for hands-on work and careful execution of physical scans.
• Experience or interest in digital image or 3D file processing.
• Basic Python coding skills.
• Basic understanding of 3D printing, 3D scanning, or CNC operation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical communication skills.

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