Procurement Intern
Are you motivated to understand how procurement and supply chain processes enable cutting-edge technology? Lightium, a fast-growing company at the forefront of ultra-high-speed photonic integrated circuits (PICs), invites students or recent graduates in engineering, supply chain, or business-related fields to join us for a 6-month, full-time, paid internship within our Operations Team. This is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to structuring and scaling our procurement and supply chain backbone in a dynamic deep-tech environment.
Internship Summary
As part of our Operations Team, you will support and progressively take responsibility for procurement and supply chain activities that ensure smooth material availability across R&D and fabrication. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to manage the full procurement journey, from initial request to final payment. From handling RFIs, RFQs, and POs to tracking orders and inventory and improving ERP-based workflows, you will gain hands-on exposure to how a semiconductor startup grow from lab to high volume manufacturing and how to build robust and scalable supply chain processes.
This role comes with real ownership and visibility. For a structured and proactive individual, it offers the opportunity to grow into a permanent position and gradually take full responsibility for defined supply chain domains over time.
Key Responsibilities
Managing procurement processes, including leading the Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), and Purchase Orders (PO).
Contributing to negotiations with suppliers, as well as supplier scouting and equipment landscape mapping.
Recording order confirmations and tracking the full procurement lifecycle through delivery and invoice release to accounting.
Monitoring supplier performance, lead times, and forward pricing strategies.
Supporting inventory and minimum stock definition and periodic ordering processes to ensure material availability.
Daily use and continuous improvement of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
Contributing to the development and optimization of procurement processes and procedures.
What You’ll Bring
Current student or recent graduate from bachelor or master programs or technical diploma from FH in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Strong interest in procurement, supplier management, and operational processes.
Structured, analytical mindset with attention to detail.
Confidence working with digital tools; interest in ERP systems and data-driven decision-making.
Proactive attitude with the willingness to take ownership in a growing startup environment.
Fluency in English and German. Swiss German is a plus.
What We Offer
A hands-on learning experience at the forefront of the PIC industry, directly contributing to advancements that redefine technological boundaries.
A vibrant and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued and can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
A competitively paid position with the possibility to transition into a full-time role with Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) upon outstanding performance.
The ability to participate in continuing education (training, conferences, events, etc.).
Being treated like a regular member of the team - inclusion at team events and our annual fall retreat.
An opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, gaining insights and knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re eager to build structured processes, work closely with suppliers, and grow within a fast-moving and result-driven environment. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please note that we are only allowed to offer this internship to European Union or Swiss Nationals or to Third Country Nationals who are enrolled in Swiss universities with internship requirements.
- Locations
- Zürich
About Lightium AG
Just as silicon chips reshaped electronics, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are poised to revolutionize how we process, store, and transmit data. As data creation and consumption explode, transmission speeds struggle to keep up.
We are proud to be Europe’s first company to offer a high-volume, production-grade foundry platform based on our proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This material outperforms traditional silicon photonics in speed, power efficiency, and overall performance.
We are positioned at the forefront of photonics, enabling ultra-high speeds for our connected world.