Process Engineering Intern - AZEK

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

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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

 

Build practical process-engineering experience by supporting manufacturing improvement projects in lubricant reduction, material and equipment trials, downtime analysis, predictive reporting, and other operational priorities. The intern will develop project ownership, troubleshooting, and data-analysis skills while contributing to measurable plant performance improvements.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Complete assigned projects on time with clear documentation and results.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, initiative, accountability, and self-direction.
• Use engineering analysis and plant-floor observations to identify and support process improvements.
• Present project progress, findings, and recommendations to technical and operational stakeholders

 

Internship Responsibilities

Process Improvement and Trial Support

• Monitor material usage and support opportunities to reduce consumption.
• Assist with trials involving new materials and equipment, including preparation, data collection, and follow-up documentation.
• Support manufacturing troubleshooting and improvement activities as priorities are defined.

Downtime Analysis and Reporting

• Assist with downtime tracking and participate in Gemba observations to identify recurring losses and improvement opportunities.
• Organize and analyze operating data using Microsoft Office and Minitab.
• Support automation of predictive reporting to improve visibility to process performance and emerging issues.

Project Ownership and Capstone

• Own assigned workstreams from planning through completion, with regular progress updates and documented results.
• Support a capstone project defined closer to the internship; a potential focus is evaluating removal of bottom capping on fascia and riser products.
• Prepare a final presentation summarizing the problem, analysis, actions, results, and recommended next steps.

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, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while seeking guidance when needed.
• Hands-on interest in manufacturing processes, trials, and continuous improvement.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.

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

 

This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you’ll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

 

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law. 

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.