R&D Intern - Polymer Composite Formulation & Processing

James Hardie • Wilmington, OH

1d • $20 - $25

About The Position

The R&D Intern supports development of polymer composite decking through formulation, processing, testing, and technical evaluation. The intern contributes to laboratory- and production-scale trials, analyzes performance data, and translates technical findings into actionable recommendations for R&D and cross-functional partners.

The 12-week paid internship provides hands-on industry experience, collaboration with experienced professionals, mentoring, and professional development. The intern is expected to complete research and technical evaluations with increasing independence, maintain accurate and traceable records, and deliver a final technical report and capstone presentation summarizing findings, recommendations, key learnings, and business impact. The position is available full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with anticipated graduation between December 2027 and May 2029; rising junior or rising senior.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Target majors include polymer engineering, plastics engineering, materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, applied chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong interest in polymer materials, product design, and formulation development.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, or statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and interest in AI-enabled technologies that support research and decision-making.
• Strong technical writing, reporting, presentation, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, analytical, and eager to learn in a hands-on R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Complete technical literature reviews and benchmarking studies related to polymer composites, formulations, processing, and product performance.
• Support additive screening and evaluation, including data collection, interpretation, and comparison of results.
• Contribute technical ideas and insights during project discussions and problem-solving activities.
• Participate in planning laboratory-scale and production-scale trials.
• Attend laboratory and plant trials to collect processing data, document observations, and gather test samples.
• Follow safety, quality, and laboratory best practices while completing assigned work.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, organize test data, and ensure traceability of results.
• Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical and engineering methods.
• Prepare clear, concise, technically sound reports with actionable recommendations.
• Present project findings to R&D and cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality, and Engineering.

Benefits

• Paid 12-week internship
• Competitive pay of $20 to $25 per hour, subject to factors such as experience, skills, and geography
• Meaningful projects with business impact
• Mentorship and guidance
• Feedback and evaluation
• Exposure to James Hardie culture
• Networking opportunities and skill development
• Professional development resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern