2026 Internship - Supply Chain - Buyer/ Supply Chain Coordinator

Career Area:

Finance

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

As a Global Supply Chain Intern, you will be exposed to a variety of supply chain functions and concepts, which may include Buyer and/or Planner responsibilities. You will be exposed to purchasing execution tasks ranging from low to medium complexity as well as basic analysis work. Additionally, you may be exposed to internal business partners as well as external supplier relationships. As part of the Global Supply Chain internship program, you will engage in special events and luncheons with peers, receive mentorship, hear from keynote speakers and much more.

- Learn and develop skills that result from the practical application of basic supply chain knowledge by assisting a project team or others in the workgroup.

- Provide support for purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, cost, price analysis, and contract/purchase order generation.

- Develop improvement plans to support buyers related to response time, lean targets, quality, cost, logistics, development, capacity, and risk management to enable optimal and efficient operations.

- Perform analytical and administrative tasks in support of purchasing strategic initiatives.

- Manage purchased material requirements according to the demand signals for the assigned products. Take appropriate actions to ensure material availability and appropriate inventory levels, ensuring that the correct material is delivered to the right place and at the right time.

- Monitor material shortages tools, adjusting the delivery schedule with suppliers as needed, according to inventory availability and demand signals. Communicate shortages or risk of shortages to customer.

Intern Project:

- As a Global Supply Chain Intern, you will be assigned an individual project relevant to the current needs of the business. You will be provided with mentorship and support from members of your team in order to execute the project objectives. At the end of your internship, you will make a presentation report out to senior supply chain leaders and other business partners.

Additional Information:

- This position requires a 5-days in office schedule.

- The primary location for this position is San Diego, CA.

- Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Currently attending a 4-year accredited university/college

- Preferred Majors: Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance or Accounting

- Minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA

- Must currently be pursuing your degree

Preferred Qualifications:

- Previous supply chain internship and/or work experience

- Strong initiative, communication, and interpersonal skills

- Leadership involvement in student associations

- Competence in data analytics

Compensation

The hourly compensation for this role is

Actual compensation will be determined by graduation year and degree type.

#2026ETPosting

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

January 8, 2026 - April 30, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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