R&D Engineer Intern

Cornerstone Building Brands, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is the largest manufacturer of external building products in North America with over $6 billion in annual revenue and an expansive North American footprint that includes almost 20,000 employees, operating in +70 manufacturing facilities, supported by a network of +80 distribution and branch office facilities. We have a broad product offering with a well-regarded brand portfolio including the #1 position in windows, vinyl siding, metal accessories, metal roofing and wall systems, and insulated metal panels. We believe every building we create, and every part of that building, positively contributes to communities where people live, work and play.

About the Role

This internship is for Summer 2026.

We are looking for an enthusiastic R&D Engineer Intern to join our Research & Development team within the window and door industry. This role will focus on exploring innovative materials, energy-efficient solutions, and emerging technologies that advance product performance, sustainability, and durability. You will support ongoing research efforts and contribute to the development of next-generation window and door systems that meet evolving industry standards and customer needs.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in researching and testing new materials (e.g., composites, polymers, coatings, and glass technologies) for improved performance and sustainability.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate thermal performance, durability, acoustic insulation, and weather resistance of prototype designs.
• Support the development of energy-efficient and smart window/door technologies (e.g., dynamic glazing, integrated sensors, automation).
• Perform literature reviews, benchmarking, and patent research to identify industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to transition R&D findings into development pipelines.
• Document experimental methods, test results, and technical insights through reports and presentations.
• Participate in prototyping, fabrication, and laboratory testing of new concepts.

What You’ll Need

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Strong interest in sustainable materials, building products, and emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with materials testing methods (e.g., tensile, impact, thermal conductivity, weathering).
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as CAD, MATLAB, or Python (or similar).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex findings clearly.
• Experience with glass, coatings, polymers, adhesives, or composite materials preferred.

• Knowledge of building performance standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR, NFRC, ASTM, or LEED) preferred.
• Hands-on experience in prototyping, lab equipment, or manufacturing processes preferred.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

• Competitive pay
• Inclusive, collaborative environment
• Bragging rights – you’ll work for the market leader in multiple product categories
• Professional development opportunities
• Intern buddy

Why work for Cornerstone Building Brands? 

Our teams are at the heart of our purpose to positively contribute to the communities where we live, work and play. Full-time* team members receive** medical, dental and vision benefits starting day 1. Other benefits include PTO, paid holidays, FSA, life insurance, LTD, STD, 401k, EAP, discount programs, tuition reimbursement, training, and professional development. 

*Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. **Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.

Cornerstone Building Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. You can find the Equal Employment Opportunity Poster here. You can also view Your Right to Work Poster here along with This Organizations Participation in E-Verify Poster here. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan for protected veterans or individuals with disabilities or policy statement, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [email protected]. If you have a disability and you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [email protected]. This email is used exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only emails received for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018

Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Notice of Recruitment Fraud

We have been made aware of multiple scams whereby unauthorized individuals are using Cornerstone Building Brand's name and logo to solicit potential job-seekers for employment. In some cases, job-seekers are being contacted directly, both by phone and e-mail. In other instances, these unauthorized individuals are placing advertisements for fake positions with both legitimate websites and fabricated ones. These individuals are typically promising high-paying jobs with the requirement that the job-seeker send money to pay for things such as visa applications or processing fees. Please be advised that Cornerstone Building Brands will never ask potential job-seekers for any sort of advance payment or bank account information as part of the recruiting or hiring process.