Supply Chain Intern
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 9, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 28, 2026.
Position Summary
This is a learning position designed to give a college student hands-on experience across the supply chain function of an aerospace machine shop. The intern's primary assignment is supporting the Buyer responsible for outside process (OSP) suppliers who perform surface processing and other special processes on hard-metal components. Working under the guidance of experienced team members, the intern will also learn production purchasing, MRO purchasing, and contracts administration, building practical skills in ERP/MRP systems, supplier management, and aerospace quality and compliance requirements.
Schedule: Part-time internship, minimum 15 and maximum 28 hours per week, scheduled around the student's class load.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Assignment: Outside Process (OSP) Supplier Support
- Assist the OSP Buyer in preparing and entering OSP purchase orders into the ERP system.
- Track open OSP orders and parts at outside processors; follow up with suppliers on status, ship dates, and past-due items.
- Maintain OSP expedite and shortage reports, highlighting parts at risk to the production schedule.
- Coordinate with Shipping/Receiving on parts going out to and returning from outside processors.
- Collect and report supplier on-time delivery and quality data (rejections, non-conformances, corrective actions).
- Verify OSP cost and lead-time standards in the ERP system and flag discrepancies.
- Research alternative OSP suppliers, gather quotes, and assemble bid comparisons for the Buyer’s review.
Learning Opportunity: Production Purchasing
- Learn how materials and services are purchased to support short- and long-term production plans.
- Observe how buyers use blanket orders, volume discounts, and negotiation to make cost-effective purchases.
- Learn how suppliers are qualified to meet internal standards and end-customer requirements.
- Gain exposure to inventory management and to project management of work transferred among suppliers.
Learning Opportunity: MRO Purchasing
- Learn the sourcing and procurement of shop supplies, cutting tools, and miscellaneous expense items.
- Understand how PO changes are documented to prevent mismatched invoices and how purchasing records are maintained.
- Learn how vendor quality rejects are resolved to prevent recurrence.
Learning Opportunity: Contracts Administration
- Learn how customer purchase orders and change orders are reviewed against quotes and long-term agreements (LTAs).
- Observe customer order entry in the ERP system and the use of customer portals to receive orders and download forecasts.
- Gain awareness of contract terms and compliance requirements, including FAR, DFARS, EAR, and ITAR flowdowns.
Professional Development
- Work with an assigned mentor and participate in Purchasing staff meetings.
- Complete an improvement project in the supply chain area and present the results to management.
- Document current procedures and suggest improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university with at least sophomore standing.
- Pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related Business degree.
- Must remain enrolled throughout the internship.
- Prior work experience in manufacturing, purchasing, or logistics is a plus but not required.
- Interest in a career in supply chain management and a strong desire to learn.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel (sorting, filtering, basic formulas), Word, and Outlook.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
- Ability to manage several open items at once and follow up until closed.
- Basic math and reading comprehension; ability to read and comprehend instructions, purchase orders, and procedures.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. person status) for access to export-controlled technical data.