R&D Intern Polymer Composite Formulation & Processing

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 8000 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 were 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 im pact. You will also have access to mentoring opportunities and professional development resources to support your growth and career aspirations.

R&D Intern supports the development of polymer composite decking through formulation processing testing and technical evaluation. The intern will contribute to laboratory- and production-scale trials analyze performance data and translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for R&D and cross-functional partners. By the end of the internship the intern will:

• Build hands-on experience in polymer composite formulation processing testing and data interpretation.
• Complete assigned research and technical evaluations with increasing independence while maintaining accurate traceable records.
• Deliver a final technical report and capstone presentation summarizing findings recommendations key learnings and business impact.

What Youll Do:

Research and Technical Evaluation

• Complete technical literature reviews and benchmarking studies related to polymer composites formulations processing and product performance.
• Support additive screening and evaluation activities including data collection interpretation and comparison of results.
• Contribute ideas and technical insights during project discussions and problem-solving activities.

Trial Planning and Execution

• Participate in planning sessions for laboratory-scale and production-scale trials.
• Attend laboratory and plant trials to collect processing data document observations and gather test samples.
• Follow all safety quality and laboratory best practices while completing assigned work.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Maintain accurate experimental records organize test data and ensure traceability of results.
• Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical and engineering methods.
• Prepare clear concise and technically sound reports with actionable recommendations.
• Present project findings to R&D and cross-functional teams including Operations Quality and Engineering.

What Youll Bring:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelors 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 majors: polymer engineering plastics engineering materials science materials engineering hemical engineering applied chemis try or a related field .
• Strong interest in polymer materials product design and formulation development.
• Experience with modeling simulation or statistical analysis is a plus.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and interest in AI-enabled technologies that support research and decision-making.
• Strong technical writing reporting presentation and communication skills.
• Self-motivated analytical and eager to learn in a hands-on R&D environment.

What Youll 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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This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group LLC a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies where youll 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 veterans 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.

Required Experience:

Intern