Product Engineer

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

The Product Engineer translates product requirements, industry standards and building-code evaluation criteria into practical, defensible testing strategies. This role combines standards interpretation, mechanical design, hands-on fabrication including 3D printing, engineering calculations and statistical analysis to develop reliable test methods and purpose-built test equipment for current and future products.

 

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable studying technical standards, creating a 3D model (SolidWorks), building and instrumenting a test fixture, analyzing the resulting data, and presenting a clear technical argument for the recommended test plan. The position will also help develop nonstandard or adapted test protocols when established methods do not fully address the product or performance question, with the goal of producing repeatable methods that may support future internal specifications, acceptance criteria or consensus standards.

 

The Product Engineer will report to the Codes & Compliance Manager, Outdoor Living Solutions, at the Wilmington Innovation Center. 

What You’ll Do:

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret ASTM, ANSI, ICC-ES acceptance criteria, building-code provisions, agency requirements and other technical standards to define test intent, specimen configuration, conditioning, instrumentation, loading, acceptance criteria and reporting requirements.

• Perform engineering calculations supporting test design and product evaluation, including statics, mechanics of materials, adjustment load factors, stress, strain, deflection, section properties, fastener behavior, tolerances and uncertainty as applicable.
• Prepare, submit, and maintain compliance documentation (e.g., ESRs, CCRRs, technical files, and supporting packages) on specific projects. 
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, Applications, Marketing, external consultants and third-party laboratories to align testing and certification activities with business objectives.

• Develop adapted, improvised or novel test protocols when published standards do not adequately address the product, application or failure mode.

• Coordinate with external laboratories and agencies (Intertek, QAI, ICC‑ES, CCMC, etc.) to define test programs, review results, and manage certifications.

• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. 
• 3+ years of relevant experience in product engineering, mechanical design, laboratory testing, test engineering, product development or a related role 
• Hands-on fabrication including 3D modeling and printing
• Strong mathematical and engineering-calculation skills with the ability to document assumptions, formulas, units and conclusions.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization using Excel, Minitab, or comparable analytical tools. 

• Working knowledge of ASTM standards, ICC-ES acceptance criteria, IBC, IRC, ANSI requirements or certification/listing agency processes. (Canadian Codes a plus), and related compliance pathways.

 

Other Skills 

• Experience testing building products, polymer composites, PVC, fiber cement, metals, fasteners, decking, railing, cladding or related construction products.

• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining laboratory test equipment, including universal test machines, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, environmental conditioning equipment, and calibration/verification systems; capable of designing, fabricating, and modifying test fixtures using rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing methods.

• Provide technical support to sales, marketing, field service, quality assurance, production, and contract manufacturers. 

• Effective communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) across all organizational levels.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and project management systems (e.g., Excel, Smartsheet, MS Project).

• Leverages AI-enabled tools and digital technologies to enhance productivity, improve work quality, accelerate learning, and support data-driven decision making. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build relationships internally and externally. 

• Ability to travel an average of approx. 20% 

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $75k to $90k. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

 

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

 

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.