Materials & Operations Summer Intern

ABOUT PHOTON KINETICSPhoton 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 OVERVIEWThis 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 ONEMaster 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 RESPONSIBILITIESMaterial Handling & Kit PreparationPull and stage production kits per work orders and bills of materialsVerify part numbers and quantities for accuracyProcess kit-issue transactions in the ERP systemPractice proper material movement and bin/location accuracyInventory ManagementAssist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiativesEnter cycle count results and help investigate variancesMaintain real-time ERP transaction disciplineReceiving & Shipping OperationsReceive inbound vendor shipments and completed assembliesVerify receipts against purchase orders and work ordersLearn ERP receiving transactionsPick, pack, and prepare finished units and spare parts for shipmentCreate labels, packing slips, and basic shipping documentationQuality SupportGet exposure to incoming (IQA) and final (FQA) quality inspectionCheck quantities, labeling, documentation, and condition against acceptance criteriaHandle sensitive electronic components following ESD protocolsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSCurrently enrolled in a college/university programDetail-oriented and organized; comfortable working with numbers, part numbers, and systemsReliable and punctual attendanceWillingness to learn, ask questions, and work hands-on in a manufacturing/warehouse environmentAbility to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift)Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbsManual dexterity sufficient for handling precision electronic componentsVisual acuity adequate for reading part numbers and labels on small componentsMust be eligible to work in the United StatesMust be able to pass a background checkPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSSupply chain, operations, business, engineering, or related field of studyPrior warehouse, retail stockroom, lab, or manufacturing exposureComfort with basic computer/data entryExposure to ERP, inventory, or barcode systemsWHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENTMeaningful work with real impact on production operations, not typical intern busyworkHands-on experience with live MRP/ERP systems used in precision manufacturingCross-functional exposure across Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Engineering teamsStructured mentorship with potential for return offers or strong references based on performanceWHY JOIN PHOTON KINETICSYou’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.