Project Engineering Intern - AZEK Manufacturing

James Hardie; Wilmington (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Competitive pay

Networking opportunities

Job summary

James Hardie in Wilmington, OH offers a 12-week paid internship that provides hands-on manufacturing experience, collaboration with engineers and operators, and exposure to capital projects, maintenance, and process improvement.

You will develop skills in AutoCAD, data analysis, and technical documentation while contributing to real projects and receiving mentoring and professional development resources.

This paid program supports your growth and helps prepare for a successful engineering career.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with anticipated graduation between Dec 2027 and May 2029.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scoping, planning, and executing engineering tasks within capital and continuous-improvement projects.
• Support commissioning, equipment startups, trial runs, and data collection.
• Participate in design reviews, vendor meetings, and project standups.
• Create and update SOPs, commissioning checklists, and equipment lists.
• Review and markup engineering drawings (AutoCAD, P&IDs, layouts, electrical schematics).
• Observe equipment operation, gather field feedback, and document findings for engineers.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to track actions and progress.
• Collect process data during trials and maintain Excel trackers for project metrics.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Excel

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

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

Develop practical engineering skills through hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment by supporting capital, maintenance, and process improvement projects. The intern will gain exposure to engineering design, documentation, commissioning, and plant operations while building proficiency in AutoCAD, engineering drawings, data analysis, and process equipment fundamentals.

Working closely with operators, technicians, engineers, vendors, and leadership, the intern will apply engineering principles to solve real-world challenges, improve equipment reliability and operational performance, and lead at least one improvement initiative or workstream from concept through implementation. This role provides a balanced mix of office and plant-floor experience, offering valuable exposure to industrial systems, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

What You’ll Do:

Project Support

• Assist with scoping, planning, and executing engineering tasks within capital and continuous-improvement projects.
• Support commissioning, equipment startups, trial runs, and data collection.
• Participate in PSSR walk-throughs, design reviews, vendor meetings, and project standups.

Technical Documentation

• Create and update SOPs, commissioning checklists, acceptance criteria, equipment lists, and technical reports.
• Review and markup engineering drawings (AutoCAD, P&IDs, layouts, electrical schematics).
• Maintain organized project files, trackers, and documentation libraries.

Plant-Floor Engagement

• Observe equipment operation, verify field conditions, and gather feedback from operators and maintenance.
• Support troubleshooting by documenting findings, capturing photos, and relaying information to engineers.
• Follow PPE guidelines and comply with all EHS&S requirements.

Vendor & Contractor Coordination

• Compare vendor quotes, collect specifications, and prepare technical summaries.
• Document meetings, track action items, and support communication between engineering and external partners.
• Assist with scheduling site visits and monitoring installation progress.

Data & Analysis

• Collect and log process data during trials, startups, and testing.
• Build and maintain Excel-based trackers for timelines, equipment lists, action items, and project metrics.
• Support investigations by organizing data and observations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, EHS&S, R&D, and contractors.
• Provide clear, concise updates tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences, including Sr. Leadership.
• Surface issues early and help maintain project momentum.

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

• Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Strong communication skills: able to interact professionally with plant operators through Sr. Leadership.
• Ability to work 50% at a desk and 50% on the plant floor.
• Basic proficiency in AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Strong Excel skills (formulas, lookups, pivot tables preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and equipment manuals.
• Solid technical writing skills for SOPs and documentation.
• Curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn industrial systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced 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

This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you’ll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

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.