Hardware Sourcing Intern

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.

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.

• 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.