R&D Engineer Intern

Cornerstone Building Brands • Rocky Mount, VA

75d

About The Position

This internship is for Summer 2026. We are looking for an enthusiastic R&D Engineer Intern to join our Research & Development team within the window and door industry. This role will focus on exploring innovative materials, energy-efficient solutions, and emerging technologies that advance product performance, sustainability, and durability. You will support ongoing research efforts and contribute to the development of next-generation window and door systems that meet evolving industry standards and customer needs.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Strong interest in sustainable materials, building products, and emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with materials testing methods (e.g., tensile, impact, thermal conductivity, weathering).
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as CAD, MATLAB, or Python (or similar).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex findings clearly.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with glass, coatings, polymers, adhesives, or composite materials preferred.
• Knowledge of building performance standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR, NFRC, ASTM, or LEED) preferred.
• Hands-on experience in prototyping, lab equipment, or manufacturing processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in researching and testing new materials (e.g., composites, polymers, coatings, and glass technologies) for improved performance and sustainability.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate thermal performance, durability, acoustic insulation, and weather resistance of prototype designs.
• Support the development of energy-efficient and smart window/door technologies (e.g., dynamic glazing, integrated sensors, automation).
• Perform literature reviews, benchmarking, and patent research to identify industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to transition R&D findings into development pipelines.
• Document experimental methods, test results, and technical insights through reports and presentations.
• Participate in prototyping, fabrication, and laboratory testing of new concepts.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Inclusive, collaborative environment
• Bragging rights - you'll work for the market leader in multiple product categories
• Professional development opportunities
• Intern buddy

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees