R&D Intern - Polymer Composite Formulation & Processing

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.

R&D Intern supports the development of polymer composite decking through formulation, processing, testing, and technical evaluation. The intern will contribute to laboratory- and production-scale trials, analyze performance data, and translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for R&D and cross-functional partners. By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Build hands-on experience in polymer composite formulation, processing, testing, and data interpretation.
• Complete assigned research and technical evaluations with increasing independence while maintaining accurate, traceable records.
• Deliver a final technical report and capstone presentation summarizing findings, recommendations, key learnings, and business impact.

What You’ll Do:

Research and Technical Evaluation

• Complete technical literature reviews and benchmarking studies related to polymer composites, formulations, processing, and product performance.
• Support additive screening and evaluation activities, including data collection, interpretation, and comparison of results.
• Contribute ideas and technical insights during project discussions and problem-solving activities.

Trial Planning and Execution

• Participate in planning sessions for laboratory-scale and production-scale trials.
• Attend laboratory and plant trials to collect processing data, document observations, and gather test samples.
• Follow all safety, quality, and laboratory best practices while completing assigned work.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Maintain accurate experimental records, organize test data, and ensure traceability of results.
• Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical and engineering methods.
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports with actionable recommendations.
• Present project findings to R&D and cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality, and Engineering.

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 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 majors: polymer engineering, plastics engineering, materials science, materials engineering, hemical engineering, applied chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong interest in polymer materials, product design, and formulation development.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, or statistical analysis is a plus.
• 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.

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