POSITION SUMMARY:
The Supply Chain / Purchasing Co-op student will provide tactical and analytical support to our buying and, planning team at the Newark, NY manufacturing facility. Working alongside experienced Buyers, Planners, and Supply Chain Managers, the co-op student will assist in ensuring that production lines have an, uninterrupted flow of mechanical and electronic components. This individual will actively interface with ERP systems, manage supplier confirmations, resolve delivery variances, and assist with strategic continuous improvement projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Purchase Order Tactical Management: Assist in generating, processing, and modifying purchase orders within the corporate ERP system (Syspro) based on Material Requirements Planning (MRP) demand signals and independent requisitions.
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Expediting & Delivery Assurance: Track and monitor open purchase orders to identify potential component shortages. Proactively contact external suppliers to confirm ship dates, update the ERP system, and escalate material risks to prevent manufacturing downtime.
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Supplier Communications: Assist in managing routine supplier relations, requesting and analyzing quotes for new or modified parts, and executing request-for-quote (RFQ) documentation.
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Inventory & Data Integrity: Support inventory control activities, including analyzing slow-moving inventory, updating min-max stocking levels, and ensuring accuracy of master data records (e.g. component pricing, standard lead times, and manufacturing BOMs).
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with Quality Assurance, receiving/warehouse teams, and engineering to assist in the administration of non-conforming material dispositions and Material Review Board (MRB) administrative closure.
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Continuous Improvement: Participate in lean/six-sigma procurement initiatives, analyze supplier performance metrics, and contribute data to departmental supplier scorecards.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
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Academic Standing: Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field. Must have completed at least 2 years of coursework.
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Analytical & Excel Skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (ability to utilize VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and logical formulas for data manipulation is strongly preferred).
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System Aptitude: Strong comfort level with data systems. Direct exposure to ERP/MRP logic (such as Syspro, SAP, Oracle) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is a plus, though training will be provided.
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Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to professionalize communications when interacting with global external suppliers and internal engineering teams.
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Problem-Solving: Strong detail orientation with the ability to balance day-to-day tactical tasks while executing root-cause analysis for inventory or delivery issues.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Ability to work in standard office environment and with computers consistently throughout the day
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Ability to alternate sitting and standing for 8 hours per day.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE:
Direct insight into high-compliance global manufacturing (ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 environments). Practical mastery of industrial MRP execution and inventory management strategies (Kanban, Just-In-Time). Exposure to strategic sourcing, commercial contract awareness, and international logistics workflows. Mentorship from senior supply chain leadership and hands-on professional growth.
Ultralife Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 315- 332-7100.
The pay for this position is $20.00/hr.
