Purchasing Intern (Summer 2026)

Elevate Aircraft Seating•Huntington Beach, CA

14d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Elevate Aircraft Seating is excited to welcome back our Summer Internship Program and is seeking a Purchasing Intern to join our supply chain team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the aerospace industry while working alongside experienced supply chain professionals on projects that help support the production and delivery of business-class aircraft seating. Our 10-week internship program runs from June 1 to August 14 and is designed to provide a well-rounded experience that combines real supply chain work with mentorship, networking, and professional development. Interns will engage in leadership roundtables, cross-department tours, skill-building workshops, community volunteer activities, and conclude the program by presenting their projects to company leadership. We are looking for students who are c urious, collaborative, and motivated to learn , individuals who value teamwork, innovation, and diversity of thought. At Elevate, we believe in investing in the next generation of supply chain professionals and providing interns with meaningful experiences that help shape their careers! Note: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship (including OPT/CPT). JOB SUMMARY The Purchasing Intern plays an active and hands-on role in supporting critical sourcing initiatives and daily operational purchasing within a fast-paced aerospace environment. This is not just a support position its an opportunity to gain real-world exposure to how aerospace programs are executed from concept through production. In this role, the intern will analyze supply chain performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to strategies that enhance sourcing efficiency and on-time project execution. They will take ownership of leading daily morning board meetings, driving accountability, and helping the team stay aligned on priorities and actions. Beyond the desk, interns will have the opportunity to visit and meet with suppliers, gaining first-hand insight into manufacturing environments. They will develop a strong understanding of tooling, production processes, and the critical relationship between design and manufacturability, seeing how engineering concepts translate into physical components.

Requirements

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Business, Engineering, Aerospace, Supply Chain, or a related field, with an expected graduation date between December 2025 and June 2027.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
Knowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Proficient in risk management and mitigation strategies.
Ability to interface effectively with all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Positive attitude and adaptability to work in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Desire to gain hands-on experience and engage with physical products.
Other: Extended or irregular hours may be required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Track record of academic excellence and self-motivation.
Strong passion for and interest in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities

Support strategic sourcing initiatives by assisting Commodity Managers in planning and executing procurement activities.
Analyze RFQ bid packages and summarize key cost, lead time, and risk considerations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on project objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
Monitor critical part shortages and assist with expediting efforts to support on-time program execution.
Review open nonconformances (NCs) in the purchasing queue and coordinate with suppliers to resolve discrepancies and obtain RMAs.
Coordinate with Accounting and suppliers to help ensure invoices and payments are processed in accordance with agreed terms.
Maintain and update supply chain tracking tools (e.g., tooling tracker) to ensure accurate reporting and visibility.
Assist in resolving items on hold due to missing documentation, quantity discrepancies, or related issues.
Prepare reports, documentation, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in meetings and reviews to track progress, identify risks, and contribute potential solutions.
Conduct research and analysis on industry trends and supplier markets to support sourcing decisions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain and program management processes.
Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Protect the confidentiality of the Companys information and products.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned or requested.