Jobs › Plexus

Intern - Buyer (Summer 2027)

Plexus · Neenah, WI · $22.00–$24.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you negotiated for something. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they can advocate firmly while keeping the relationship good, which buyers need with every supplier.

Tell me about a time you had to follow up with someone who wasn't responding.

What they are checking: Whether they are persistent and professional, since chasing suppliers for answers is a big part of buying.

Tell me about a time you made a decision with incomplete information.

What they are checking: Whether they can act thoughtfully when not everything is known, as buyers often must under deadlines.

What would you do

A supplier tells you a part needed for next week's build is delayed a month. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they look for options like partial shipments, other suppliers or expediting and tell planning right away.

A supplier offers you a gift or invitation. How would you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize ethics and conflict of interest matter in purchasing and would check company policy.

About the work

What do you think a buyer at a contract manufacturer like Plexus does day to day?

What they are checking: Whether they understand buying means placing orders, chasing deliveries and solving shortages, not just negotiating prices.

Why might the cheapest supplier not be the best choice for a part going into a medical device?

What they are checking: Whether they consider quality, reliability and approval requirements alongside price when choosing suppliers.

How would you keep track of dozens of open purchase orders at once?

What they are checking: Whether they have an organized system for follow-up, since missed details become shortages on the line.

What does lead time mean to you, and why does it matter so much in electronics?

What they are checking: Whether they understand long component lead times drive when orders must be placed to avoid shortages.

How comfortable are you with Excel? What's something useful you've done with it?

What they are checking: Whether they can work with order reports, pricing and supplier data, which buyers handle every day.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Plexus from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Plexus.

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. This is an internship position (Non-Exempt Salary); the hourly range is stated below. The rate offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Hourly Rate: $22 - $24/hr. OVERVIEW Responsible for the procurement execution of assigned goods and services in accordance with the quality, delivery and pricing expectations of Plexus Corp. and Plexus Corp. customers, as is detailed in Purchasing SOP's and WI's. RESPONSIBILITIES • Responsible for supporting purchasing of materials in accordance with the guidelines set forth by Plexus management and the customer's contract in terms of unit price, quality and delivery. • Makes tactical buying decisions with respect to the placement and management of all purchases within assigned MRP portfolio to meet scheduled demand. This process encompasses order placement, rescheduling, cancellation of items and/or receiving and invoice issue reconciliation and approval. • Responsible for supporting all Obsolete, Inactive & Excess Inventory items. • Support negotiating lead-time constraints with suppliers to negate missed commitment dates. • Review all delivery issues and take appropriate corrective action to avoid schedule impact. • Communication with vendors and suppliers to support purchasing needs. • Work on special projects or assignments as needed MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Student working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Supply Chain Management for the entire duration of internship. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Junior level status • GPA: 3.0 or higher is preferred • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills • Strong communication skills This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com . Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

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