Hardware Sourcing Intern

Base Power

Austin, US

On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward junior candidates comfortable with startup dynamics who have coursework or experience in hardware manufacturing or supply chain.

Best fit for

Detail-oriented candidates who thrive in fast-changing startup environments.
— “Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly.”
Individuals with strong analytical skills for cost modeling and negotiations.
— “Develop cost models.”
Collaborators who can work across engineering, manufacturing, and logistics teams.
— “You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and logistics teams.”

Things to consider

In-person work requirement with non-traditional hours expected.
— “We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5.”
Role responsibilities may expand or change based on business needs.
— “Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business.”

How to stand out

Demonstrate past experience in supplier negotiations or RFPs.
— “Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.”
Highlight any hands-on experience with hardware manufacturing processes.
— “Experience or coursework related to hardware manufacturing, supply chain, or operations.”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Intern

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

Skills & requirements

Required

RFP CreationCost ModelingNegotiationProject ManagementCommunication Skills

Preferred

Hardware Manufacturing Experience

Stack & domain

ExcelSpreadsheet AnalysisNegotiationCost ModelsContract AwardsSupply Chain Risk AssessmentsCost ReviewsRfpsSourcing And Cost Management StrategiesCommunicationProject ManagementTeamworkProblem-solvingLeadershipFlexibilitySolutions-oriented MindsetHardware ManufacturingSupply ChainOperations

About the role

Original posting from Base Power via Ashby

ABOUT BASE
Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Base is looking for a Sourcing Intern to help build and manage supplier relationships, support product development and manufacturing, and contribute to our sourcing strategy. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and logistics teams to ensure the right suppliers, materials, and processes are in place to support our product roadmap. The role will primarily focus on general hardware manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
Create and run requests for proposals (RFPs).
Develop cost models.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies for existing and new products.
Ensure suppliers are prepared to deliver on prototype builds, product ramp-up, and mass production.
Present recommendations on contract awards, cost reviews, and supply chain risk assessments.
What You’ll Bring
Strong Excel and spreadsheet analysis skills.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
A flexible, solutions-oriented mindset.
Preferred Skills
Experience or coursework related to hardware manufacturing, supply chain, or operations.
Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.
OUR VALUES
First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.
Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.
DO THE BEST WORK OF YOUR LIFE AT BASE.

Source: Base Power careers (Ashby)