R&D Intern, Texture Characterization & Metrology; Mechanical Eng

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Onsite

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®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.

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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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

Develop practical texture measurement and characterization skills through hands‑on 3D scanning, digital file post‑processing, and performance analysis of polymer products. The intern will use physical and digital measurement tools to identify attributes that influence product performance, then translate the findings into a defined operating window.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Build proficiency with 3D scanning equipment and digital file‑processing methods.
• Analyze product samples and performance data to identify meaningful relationships and conclusions.
• Summarize the testing approach, results, and learnings in a professional written report and capstone presentation

Product Scanning

• Scan physical textures using available tools at the Wilmington location, including laser profilometers, 3D laser scanner, and optical profiler.
• Follow established equipment procedures and maintain organized, traceable scan files.

Digital Processing and Analysis

• Process digital texture files and prepare them for analysis.
• Evaluate product attributes data against performance criteria such as scratch and mar resistance.
• Identify texture attributes that contribute to the desired performance criteria and help define an operating window.

Project Reporting

• Track project progress and findings through weekly updates.
• Document the testing approach, data analysis, conclusions, and key learnings in a written report.

• 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 junior or rising senior).
• 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

• Target major: mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, metrology engineering
• Aptitude for hands‑on work, test method development, and innovation
• Experience or interest in digital image, 3D file processing and metrology
• Basic Python coding skills.
• Basic understanding of 3D printing and 3D scanning.
• Proficient with small hand tools and equipment…