Job Description
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 experience applying mechanical engineering principles to real-world product development while contributing meaningful capacity to the StruXure engineering team. The intern will develop practical skills in product design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, documentation, and mechanical problem-solving while supporting new product development and improvements to existing products and engineering records.
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
Produce accurate engineering models, drawings, and documentation while demonstrating increasing independence.
Participate actively in prototype builds, testing, and design validation.
Identify and communicate engineering issues and follow assigned projects through documented conclusions or recommendations.
What You’ll Do:
Product Design and Documentation
Create and update 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings.
Review and update legacy parts, assemblies, drawings, and engineering data to current standards.
Support active new product development through component design, design iteration, and documentation.
Prototype Development and Testing
Support prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, and design validation in a hands-on shop environment.
Investigate mechanical, manufacturing, and assembly issues and assist with root-cause analysis and corrective solutions.
Project Ownership
Own at least one defined engineering project that progresses from problem definition through design, prototype or implementation, testing, validation, and a documented recommendation or solution.
Present final project results to the engineering and product development 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 and May 2029 (rising senior or 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 or a related field.
3D modeling experience; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
Hands-on mechanical aptitude and experience using common hand and power tools.
Understanding of mechanical design, tolerancing, design for manufacturability, and manufacturing processes.
Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, analytical, technical communication, and collaboration 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
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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Local area