Planning Intern

Valence Surface Technologies is seeking motivated and detail-oriented interns for a hands-on opportunity at our Lynwood, CA facility. This internship provides supervised training in a fast-paced, aerospace-focused manufacturing environment, offering experience in Quality, EHS, and Operations.

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.
• Relevant fields may include (but are not limited to) Business Management, Engineering Management, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Some college required.

Skills

• 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.
• 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).

Pay

$17.23 - $22.00 per hour (DOE).

Schedule

Internship / 3-6 Months / 1 year / Part-time role.

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. Our vertically integrated approach reduces costs, minimizes lead times and risk, consolidates supplier relationships, and maintains capacity to scale with growing programs. We hold 3,500+ active approvals from major aerospace primes and programs.