Master Scheduler

Job Description

Job Description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next‑generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you will develop and manage the Master Production Schedule to ensure customer commitments are met while optimizing manufacturing capacity, material availability, and operational performance. You will collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to translate demand and business priorities into a clear, executable production plan that supports delivery, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities • Develops and maintains the Master Production Schedule based on customer demand, backlog, forecasts, inventory levels, material availability, and manufacturing capacity.
• Translates customer and program requirements into achievable production schedules across multiple work centers and value streams.
• Establishes production priorities and communicates schedule requirements to cross‑functional teams.
• Analyzes capacity versus demand to identify constraints, bottlenecks, and delivery risks.
• Ensures production schedules reflect realistic lead times, capacity, material status, tooling, equipment, and workforce constraints.
• Identifies schedule risks and develops recovery plans with appropriate stakeholders.
• Monitors schedule adherence and escalates deviations that may impact delivery commitments.
• Coordinates with Planning and Procurement to ensure material requirements align with the production schedule.
• Evaluates impacts of shortages, engineering changes, quality issues, equipment downtime, supplier delays, and shifting customer priorities on the production plan.
• Leads or participates in regular production planning and schedule review meetings.
• Supports the Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning process by providing capacity, backlog, and schedule data.
• Establishes and maintains scheduling time fences to balance production stability and responsiveness.
• Maintains alignment between the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, customer requirements, and actual shop‑floor conditions.
• Analyzes planned versus actual performance and recommends corrective actions to improve schedule execution.
• Collaborates with Operations to optimize sequencing, equipment utilization, labor utilization, and throughput.
• Identifies manufacturing constraints and supports actions to improve capacity at constrained operations.
• Supports make/buy decisions, outsourcing, overtime analysis, and capacity expansion planning through schedule data.
• Coordinates new product introductions, production transfers, and major program changes within the schedule.
• Maintains accurate scheduling parameters such as lead times, lot sizes, planning horizons, and capacity assumptions.
• Provides schedule visibility and reporting to leadership.
• Drives continuous improvement in planning, scheduling, inventory management, and production‑control processes.

Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• 5 or more years of experience in production planning, master scheduling, materials management, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience developing and managing production schedules in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Master Production Scheduling, capacity planning, inventory management, and production control.
• Experience analyzing capacity, demand, material constraints, and manufacturing lead times.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to prioritize competing requirements and make data‑driven scheduling recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications • Experience in aerospace, defense, precision machining, composites, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience working within an AS9100 quality management system.
• APICS/ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification.
• Experience with Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems used in complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience with finite‑capacity scheduling or Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Theory of Constraints (TOC).
• Experience managing schedules across multiple production cells, facilities, or value streams.

Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.