Summer 2027 Purchasing Intern

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; La Grange (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability

Education Assistance Program

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a Purchasing Intern in Illinois to support the purchasing team with ERP-based purchase orders, supplier communications, and records maintenance. The role offers exposure to procurement, inventory control, and cost analysis within a manufacturing environment.

Within an office setting in LaGrange, IL, this internship emphasizes collaboration with logistics and inventory teams and requires strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Developed analytical ability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Minimal travel may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist with creating and processing purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Support supplier communication for order confirmations, delivery schedules, and issue resolution.
• Help maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Participate in cost analysis and vendor performance reviews.
• Collaborate with inventory and logistics teams to ensure timely material availability.
• Prepare reports and presentations for purchasing metrics and projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate or graduate business, supply chain, engineering, computer science or accounting program

Job description

Job Purpose

The Purchasing Intern will support the purchasing team in day-to-day operations, gaining exposure to procurement processes, supplier management, and inventory control. This role is designed to provide practical experience in supply chain and purchasing functions within a manufacturing environment.

Req ID

12242BR

Location

Region: Illinois

City: La Grange

State: Illinois

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

• Maintain satisfactory academic standing in college.
• Perform work assignments to satisfaction of assigned departments.
• Obtain knowledge of facility and its operations.
• Frequent contact with others outside the work group.
• Complete assignments within a department or activity which utilize the employee’s academic discipline.
• Assist with creating and processing purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Support supplier communication for order confirmations, delivery schedules, and issue resolution.
• Help maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Participate in cost analysis and vendor performance reviews.
• Collaborate with inventory and logistics teams to ensure timely material availability.
• Prepare reports and presentations for purchasing metrics and projects.
• Comply with all company safety and quality standards.
• Travel as required.

Education / Training

• Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate business, supply chain, engineering, computer science or accounting program with good academic standing.

Qualifications And Experience

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Developed analytical ability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Minimal travel may be necessary.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

• Strength – This is a traditional office setting and requires the occasional lifting of weight of 50lbs. Lifting boxes of paper.
• Motion – This is a traditional office setting and requires the use of a computer, keyboard and other equipment. Employee will be sitting the majority of the day with occasional walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling and driving.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Must be able to communicate with customers and coworkers and utilize all office equipment.
• Work Environment – Work is in office sitting and not exposed to extremes of heat and cold. The position may require some work on the manufacturing floor that could expose candidate to all environmental aspects.
• Emotional Demands – Employee is expected to quickly pick up tasks in a fast‑paced office environment and maybe required to give presentation, speak in public and work in teams.
• Safety – This is not a safety sensitive position. The position will require the use of all site‑specific PPE.

Hourly rate will be determined based on major and credit hours completed at start of internships. Transcripts will be requested.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign‑on Bonus Programs
• Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full‑time/part‑time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
• Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Category

Administrative / Support / Communications

PRS Facility Location

EMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400

Summary Pay Range

$22.16 - $36.90