Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Ultralox

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.

 

Internship Objective

Gain hands-on process engineering and Lean manufacturing experience by reviewing plant operations and improving efficiency through waste elimination. The intern will analyze manufacturing processes, create current-state value stream maps, identify bottlenecks, and apply Lean principles through focused kaizen events that produce sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Apply Lean principles and tools to identify waste, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Plan, support, and follow through on focused kaizen events using measurable success criteria.
• Deliver sustainable process improvements and clearly communicate results to operational leadership.

What You’ll Do:

Process Review and Analysis

• Review individual manufacturing processes and related standard work documents.
• Create current-state value stream maps and identify bottleneck operations and waste.

Kaizen Planning and Execution

• Plan focused kaizen events and define metrics that will be used to measure success.
• Participate in kaizen events and track resulting action items through completion.
• Support implementation of sustainable changes to the value stream.

Measurement and Reporting

• Measure improvements using relevant safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Prepare clear project updates and report results to the Ultralox operational leadership team.

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 an May 2029 (rising senior and rising junior).
• 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 Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Previous exposure to a manufacturing shop floor through an internship or production work.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing principles and tools is preferred.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and related business tools.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and practical problem-solving 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

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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 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.