Engineering Intern, Continuous Improvement

James Hardie Corporation; Tacoma, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Paid internship

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

James Hardie Building Products Inc. in Tacoma, WA, is seeking an Engineering Intern focused on Continuous Improvement within the HMOS framework.

You will collaborate with manufacturing teams to develop, document, and standardize procedures and training materials, supporting lean initiatives and daily management activities. The role offers a 12-week paid internship during summer 2027, with mentoring, hands-on project work, and opportunities to showcase process-improvement impact across the

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum GPA 3.0.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and standardize procedures, standard work, and training materials.
• Support HMOS implementation activities including DMS and visual management.
• Conduct process observations and data collection to identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to improve process consistency.
• Lead a summer capstone project focused on HMOS maturation or operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

PDCA

5S

Visual Management

Standard Work

Root Cause Analysis

A3 Problem Solving

Process Mapping

Statistical/Data Analysis

Strong written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

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Engineering Intern, Continuous Improvement

Tacoma, WA, US, 98446

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®, 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 .

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.

What You’ll Do:

Internship Objective

The primary goal of this internship is to support the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) processes across the Tacoma manufacturing organization. The intern will gain practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while helping improve how work is documented, trained, audited, and sustained.

The intern will be responsible for completing a structured capstone project focused on HMOS maturity, procedural excellence, operational standardization, or continuous improvement.

Internship Responsibilities

The specific project area will be determined based on business needs; however, responsibilities will typically include:

• Develop, revise, and standardize operating procedures, standard work documents, one-point lessons (OPLs), and training materials.
• Support HMOS implementation activities including Daily Management Systems (DMS), visual management, audits, and process assessments.
• Conduct process observations, data collection, and workflow analysis to identify improvement opportunities and document current and future state processes.
• Partner with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to improve process consistency, waste elimination, and operator usability.
• Lead and complete a summer capstone project focused on HMOS, standardization, process improvement, or operational effectiveness.

What You’ll Bring:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date 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 degree: Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as: PDCA 5S Visual Management Standard Work Root Cause Analysis A3 Problem Solving Process Mapping Statistical/Data Analysis Soft Skills Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex processes into simple, easy-to-follow procedures.
• Strong organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across all levels of the organization.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn manufacturing operations.
• Ability to build relationships with operators, supervisors, managers, and cross-functional teams.

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
• Networking opportunities and skill development

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.