Mechanical Engineering Intern at James Hardie Peru, IL

James Hardie; Peru (IL); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

James Hardie is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern for a 12-week summer program in Peru, IL. You will gain hands‑on experience on production data collection, analysis, and reporting, while contributing to real projects and process improvements.

You must be a current bachelor’s student with a 3.0 GPA, available full‑time for 12 weeks in Summer 2026, and authorized to work in the US.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's program with anticipated graduation between Dec 2026 and May 2028.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Available to work full‑time for 12 weeks during Summer 2026.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• General Responsibilities: Work with team members on diverse projects; perform research and analysis; create reports and documentation; engage in meetings; learn industry practices.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Lean/Six Sigma

Excel

Minitab

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's student

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Intern job at James Hardie. Peru, IL.

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 .

Summary

As an intern at James Hardie, you will have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in your chosen field, whether it be HR, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, IT, or another function. This is a 12‑week paid internship program designed to provide you with valuable insights into the industry, enhance your skills, and prepare you for a successful career. You will work closely with experienced professionals, contributing to real projects that impact our business. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive mentoring opportunities to help guide your professional development.

What You’ll Do:

General Responsibilities:

• Work with team members on diverse projects and tasks.
• Perform research and analysis to aid project objectives.
• Create reports, presentations, and necessary documentation.
• Engage in team meetings and share ideas.
• Learn and implement industry best practices and company standards.

Engineering Responsibilities:

• Data Collection & Analysis: Gather production data, perform statistical analysis, and prepare reports to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Process Documentation: Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual aids to reflect process changes.
• Support Kaizen Events: Assist in planning, executing, and documenting continuous improvement workshops and events.
• Time Studies & Workflow Analysis: Conduct time studies on production lines and help identify limitations or inefficiencies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and production staff to implement solutions and monitor progress.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all company safety guidelines and ensure compliance with quality standards during improvement activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028 (rising junior or rising senior).
• Demonstrated strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Must be available to work full‑time for 12 weeks during the summer of 2026.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the work location.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Preferred Skills:

• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong aptitude for diagnosing issues and proposing solutions.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or basic manufacturing processes (coursework or prior experience preferred).
• Software Proficiency: Basic knowledge of Excel (pivot tables, charts), and exposure to statistical tools (Minitab or similar is a plus).
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication for reporting and collaboration.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in data collection and documentation.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $22 to $25. 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
• Mentorship and guidance
• Feedback and evaluation
• Company 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.