Planner

Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Planner to support aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for planning production requirements, developing and maintaining bills of material, coordinating material planning and procurement, and managing inventory for sheet metal, soft goods, and machine components.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain production schedules to support customer delivery commitments and internal manufacturing capacity.
• Plan and release work orders for sheet metal fabrication, assembly, and machined part production.
• Analyze demand forecasts, backlog, and customer orders to establish planning priorities.
• Maintain material availability, labor capacity, tooling constraints, and production priorities.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and program management to resolve schedule conflicts and production issues.
• Track production performance metrics including on-time delivery, work-in-process (WIP), and schedule adherence.
• Create bills of material from blueprints.
• Read blueprints and apply mathematical proficiency to planning activities.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), revision updates, and configuration control requirements associated with legacy aircraft programs.
• Maintain ERP/MRP system data accuracy including BOMs, routings, lead times, and inventory parameters.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and expedite materials as needed.
• Manage inventory planning, shortage resolution, and long-lead procurement strategies to support uninterrupted production.

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree or coursework in aerospace manufacturing, aviation, or a related field
• Three (3) or more years of experience in production planning, supply chain, purchasing, or manufacturing operations within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting aerospace and defense programs, preferably legacy aircraft platforms.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems to support planning, procurement, inventory management, routings, and material requirements.
• Create complete manufacturing work packages with accurate routing, documentation, and production requirements.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business software applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of: Sheet metal fabrication Soft goods manufacturing Blueprint reading Precision machined components

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military and defense contracts.
• Familiarity with legacy aircraft sustainment and obsolescence management.
• Experience working with DCMA, GSI, LSI, and other defense contract requirements.
• Knowledge of long lead-time procurement strategies and supplier risk mitigation.

Competencies

• Production scheduling and material planning
• Supplier relationship management
• Inventory control and forecasting
• Cross-functional communication
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Urgency and follow-through
• Risk management and decision-making
• Continuous improvement mindset

Performance Metrics

• Purchase order accuracy
• Material shortage reduction
• Work order release accuracy
• Inventor accuracy
• Schedule adherence to customer commitments

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand and walk 6 to 8 hours a day. Must be able to work with their hands, arms and be extremely accurate. Must be able to walk, sit, and stand on a regular basis.
• Customary physical demands for an office environment. While performing the duties of this job in the production area, the employee is regularly exposed to moving high-speed machinery and mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to machine oils, metal fillings, acetone, paints, solvents, grease, cutting fluids, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock or vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.