Purchasing Intern

About Us

Cleaveland/Price specializes in the design and manufacture of high voltage disconnect switches and switch automation products.  The products that we offer are unique in design, and some include patented features. Products have been developed and tested in accordance with IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA standards for high voltage equipment. They are primarily used by investor-owned and public electric utilities and large industrial operations in substation, distribution, transmission, and generation applications.

All company operations take place in a modern 218,300 sq. ft. multi-site facility situated on 20 acres east of Trafford, PA. The facility houses virtually all resources for product realization, including engineering, supply chain, parts fabrication, electro-mechanical assembly, and testing. Fabrication capabilities include laser and plasma cutting, CNC machining, CNC punching, and automated bending and forming. The company also utilizes specialized processes, such as MIG and TIG welding, friction welding, silver and tin electroplating, and silver brazing.

Cleaveland/Price’s employee-focused culture plays an important role in being recognized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as being a Top Workplace in the Pittsburgh region. The company is driven by the caring people that we employ: the heart and soul of the Cleaveland/Price product line.

Your Goal

We are seeking a highly motivated student to join our Purchasing team. The Buyer Intern will support the procurement and materials management functions within a high-voltage switch manufacturing facility. This internship is designed for students interested in supply chain, purchasing, or operations who want hands-on experience working with suppliers, production teams, and engineering groups. The role provides exposure to purchasing processes, material planning, and the day-to-day activities required to keep a technical manufacturing operation running efficiently. 

Your Responsibilities

• Assist with creating and issuing purchase orders for materials, components, and services used in high-voltage switch production. 
• Track order status, delivery dates, and supplier communications to help ensure timely material availability. 
• Support the resolution of basic supplier issues, including delivery discrepancies, pricing questions, and documentation needs.
• Collaborate with engineering, production planning, and inventory teams to gather information related to material requirements and lead times. 
• Help maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier data, and pricing information within the ERP system. 
• Participate in a cost-reduction or suppler evaluation activities as assigned. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to procurement processes and workflow efficiency. 
• Gain exposer to the full manufacturing lifecycle, including fabrication, assembly, and testing of high-voltage equipment.  

Your Background

• Currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. 
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail. 
• Clear communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal teams. 
• Basic understanding of procurement or supply chain concepts is helpful but not required. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is a plus. 
• Interest in manufacturing operations and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. 

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers operating a computer. The individual is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal.
• Requires concentration, accuracy, and focused mental effort while multi-tasking in a team environment.
• Ability to wear standard personal protective equipment (PPE) required while on the shop floor or in other work area where mandated (i.e. steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and/or other applicable PPE).

Benefits

• This is not a benefit eligible position