Engineering Intern, Finishing Process Improvement

James Hardie; Pulaski (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

James Hardie is seeking a motivated student for a 12-week paid internship at our Pulaski, VA site. You will gain hands-on experience in data analysis, Lean manufacturing, time studies, and standard work while supporting the Finishing and Heritage lines.

You will shadow operators, collect data, identify waste, and draft SOPs under guidance from the Continuous Improvement team. This role offers mentorship and meaningful projects within James Hardie culture.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a relevant bachelor’s degree program with anticipated graduation between December 2027 and May 2029.
• GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.

Responsibilities

• Learn the Finishing and Heritage lines end to end and shadow operators.
• Gather and analyze data, conduct time studies, and identify waste-elimination opportunities.
• Draft two to three SOPs or work instructions and update four to five existing ones.

Skills

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Education

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

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Root cause analysis

Job description

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 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

Build practical skills in data analysis, Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and standard work while contributing to manufacturing performance. The intern will learn the Finishing and Heritage lines end to end, gather and analyze operational data, conduct time studies, identify waste, and develop or update standard operating procedures and work instructions.

• Learn the Finishing and Heritage lines end to end and build productive relationships with operators.
• Support departmental performance through accurate data gathering, analysis, time studies, and waste‑elimination activities.
• Draft two to three new standard operating procedures or work instructions and update four to five existing documents

What You’ll Do:

Manufacturing Process Learning

• Learn the Finishing and Heritage lines from end to end.
• Shadow operators to understand the work, build trust, and incorporate the voice of the operator.
• Comply with all safety policies and demonstrate a strong safety mindset.

Continuous Improvement Support

• Support the Finishing and Heritage Continuous Improvement Engineer in assigned activities.
• Gather and analyze data, conduct time studies, and identify waste‑elimination opportunities.
• Apply foundational Lean and problem‑solving methods to improvement work.

Standard Work Documentation

• Draft two to three standard operating procedures or work instructions.
• Update four to five existing standard operating procedures or work instructions.
• Communicate effectively with audiences ranging from line operators to plant leadership.

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 senior or rising junior).
• 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

• Pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• Strong safety mindset.
• Data‑analysis skills and attention to detail.
• Foundational knowledge of Lean manufacturing methods such as 5S and kaizen and problem‑solving frameworks such as 5 Whys, root‑cause analysis, and fishbone diagrams.
• Effective communication skills and ability to adapt in a fast‑paced, changing industrial 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

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.