R&D Intern - Chemical Engineering/Materials Science
About The Position
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: Demonstrate lab‑scale feasibility for synthesizing an inorganic filler capable of improving materials properties in polymer filled composites.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Target major: Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry.
- Chemical engineering fundamentals and materials understanding
- Technical literature review and synthesis; Technical documentations and reporting
- Preparation and delivery of technical presentations
- Design of Experiments (DoE) fundamentals
- Hands‑on laboratory experimentation and data generation
- Basic data analysis and interpretation
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Structured problem‑solving and attention to detail
- Teamwork, communication, and time‑management skills
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.
- Conduct a focused review of relevant technical literature
- Develop a DoE (Desing of Experiments)‑based experimental plan
- Execute lab trials and collect experimental data
- Perform data analysis and interpret results
- Present findings, insights, and conclusions to the R&D technical community
Benefits
- Full-time work experience and competitive pay
- Meaningful projects
- Mentorship and guidance
- Feedback and evaluation
- Company culture
- Networking opportunities and skill development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
