Materials & Operations Summer Intern

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies. ROLE OVERVIEW This is a hands-on summer internship for a college student interested in operations, supply chain, manufacturing, or engineering. You'll learn how materials flow through a precision electronics and instrumentation manufacturer — from receiving raw components to shipping finished instruments — and get real experience working in an MRP/ERP system alongside Production, Quality, Engineering, and Purchasing. You'll do meaningful work, not busywork, with mentorship and structured exposure to how a manufacturing operation actually runs. You'll start with guidance and build independence over the summer, gaining resume-ready experience in a live manufacturing environment. WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE IN YEAR ONE Master ERP/MRP System Operations : Become proficient in processing kit-issue transactions, receiving transactions, and maintaining real-time inventory accuracy in the company's ERP system. Ensure Production Material Availability : Successfully pull, stage, and verify production kits per work orders, ensuring accurate part numbers and quantities to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations. Contribute to Inventory Accuracy : Assist with cycle counts, investigate variances, and help maintain the inventory accuracy critical for production planning and customer delivery commitments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Pull and stage production kits per work orders and bills of materials Verify part numbers and quantities for accuracy Process kit-issue transactions in the ERP system Practice proper material movement and bin/location accuracy Inventory Management Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiatives Enter cycle count results and help investigate variances Receiving & Shipping Operations Receive inbound vendor shipments and completed assemblies Verify receipts against purchase orders and work orders Learn ERP receiving transactions Pick, pack, and prepare finished units and spare parts for shipment Create labels, packing slips, and basic shipping documentation Quality Support Get exposure to incoming (IQA) and final (FQA) quality inspection Check quantities, labeling, documentation, and condition against acceptance criteria Handle sensitive electronic components following ESD protocols REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Currently enrolled in a college/university program Detail-oriented and organized; comfortable working with numbers, part numbers, and systems Reliable and punctual attendance Willingness to learn, ask questions, and work hands-on in a manufacturing/warehouse environment Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift) Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs Manual dexterity sufficient for handling precision electronic components Visual acuity adequate for reading part numbers and labels on small components Must be eligible to work in the United States Must be able to pass a background check PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Supply chain, operations, business, engineering, or related field of study Prior warehouse, retail stockroom, lab, or manufacturing exposure Comfort with basic computer/data entry Exposure to ERP, inventory, or barcode systems WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT Meaningful work with real impact on production operations, not typical intern busywork Hands-on experience with live MRP/ERP systems used in precision manufacturing Cross-functional exposure across Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Engineering teams Structured mentorship with potential for return offers or strong references based on performance WHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICS You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently. #J-18808-Ljbffr