Planning Intern

Job Title: Technologist

Department: Planning


Location: Lynwood, CA

Pay Range: $17.23 - $22.00 per hour (DOE)

Duration: Internship / 3-6 Months / 1 year / Part-time role


Overview:

Valence Surface Technologies is currently seeking motivated and detail-oriented interns to join our team at our Lynwood, CA facility. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, aerospace-focused manufacturing environment.

An internship or full-time opportunity with VST allows you to gain on-the-job, supervised training. Selected individuals will be involved in various aspects of Quality, EHS, and Operations-from procurement to distribution-enabling you to develop practical skills and industry knowledge while receiving mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and interpret customer specifications, engineering drawings, models, and purchase orders to ensure compliance with customer and company requirements.
• Verify customer purchase orders and processing requirements to support accurate manufacturing planning and execution.
• Assist in developing detailed work instructions for the manufacturing of complex machined components and aircraft assemblies.
• Support the creation of sketches, visual aids, and supporting documentation required for production processes.
• Analyze engineering drawings and models to identify configuration changes and manufacturing requirements.
• Utilize the company's MRP system to maintain planning data, generate work orders, and support production documentation.
• Create work orders, certifications, and related documentation to ensure proper flow-down of customer requirements and objective evidence of compliance.
• Review customer blueprints and purchase orders to ensure accurate translation of requirements into manufacturing documentation.
• Assist in planning and scheduling workflow across departments according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times.
• Coordinate with internal departments to support production priorities and resolve planning-related issues.
• Provide technical and administrative support to manufacturing teams and approved external suppliers.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, documentation accuracy, and production flow.
• Follow company safety policies and contribute to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or interested in pursuing coursework in Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred.

Relevant fields may include (but are not limited to):

• Business Management
• Engineering Management
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Some college

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and/or data visualization tools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment
• Basic knowledge of OSHA regulations preferred
• Knowledge of supply chain concepts is a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus
• Detailed Oriented
• Organized
• Previous data entry experience preferred.
• Exposure to manufacturing, production planning, or engineering environments is a plus.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize MRP/ERP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience with production planning, scheduling, and manufacturing operations.
• Learn how customer requirements are translated into manufacturing processes and work instructions.
• Develop skills in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Gain exposure to MRP systems, workflow management, and aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain professionals in a team-oriented environment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Employment eligibility verification required at time of hire
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This role is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Applicants must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk the production floor and conduct inspections
• May require lifting up to 30 lbs
• Must be able to wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

About Valence Surface Technologies:

Valence Surface Technologies is a full-service surface finishing company serving the commercial aerospace, defense, space, and satellite industries. With 10 strategically located sites across the U.S., we provide start-to-finish solutions including Nondestructive Testing (NDT), chemical processing, paint, and sub-assembly.

Traditionally, the aerospace supply chain has been fragmented-parts move across multiple vendors for different processes, increasing costs, lead times, and risk. Valence was built to solve this.

By offering a vertically integrated solution in key regions, we:

• Reduce costs
• Minimize lead times and risk
• Consolidate supplier relationships
• Maintain capacity to scale with growing programs
• Hold 3,500+ active approvals from major aerospace primes and programs

Why Join Us:

If you're looking to gain hands-on experience in a company driving innovation and efficiency in the aerospace industry, Valence Surface Technologies offers an exceptional place to start your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.