What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Intern, Finishing Process Improvement position at James Hardie?
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.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
As an intern at James Hardie, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, whether it be HR, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, IT, or another function. This is a 12-week paid internship program designed to provide you with valuable insights into the industry, enhance your skills, and prepare you for a successful career. You will work closely with experienced professionals, contributing to real projects that impact our business. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive mentoring opportunities to help guide your professional development.
Internship Objective: identify cost‑reduction opportunities, particularly those related to MUV (materials usage variance) and performance gaps, including line‑speed improvements and other efficiencies on the coating lines.
What You’ll Do:
General Responsibilities:
Identifying the largest opportunities and making an impact on manufacturing results. Improvement of finishing metrics, key machine KPIs focusing on:
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.
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.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
As an intern at James Hardie, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, whether it be HR, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, IT, or another function. This is a 12-week paid internship program designed to provide you with valuable insights into the industry, enhance your skills, and prepare you for a successful career. You will work closely with experienced professionals, contributing to real projects that impact our business. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive mentoring opportunities to help guide your professional development.
Internship Objective: identify cost‑reduction opportunities, particularly those related to MUV (materials usage variance) and performance gaps, including line‑speed improvements and other efficiencies on the coating lines.
What You’ll Do:
General Responsibilities:
- Work with team members on diverse projects and tasks.
- Perform research and analysis to aid project objectives.
- Create reports, presentations, and necessary documentation.
- Engage in team meetings and share ideas.
- Learn and implement industry best practices and company standards.
Identifying the largest opportunities and making an impact on manufacturing results. Improvement of finishing metrics, key machine KPIs focusing on:
- MUVs (material usage variance), improving primer yield
- Improving coating line delay
- Must be enrolled in a bachelor's program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028 (rising junior or rising senior).
- Demonstrated strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Must be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer of 2026.
- Must have reliable transportation to and from the work location.
- Must be authorized to work in the US.
- Industrial or mechanical engineering major.
- Previous experience with reliability and efficiency projects
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
- Full-time work experience and competitive pay
- Meaningful projects
- Mentorship and guidance
- Feedback and evaluation
- Company culture
- Networking opportunities and skill development
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.