Production Planning Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Production Planning Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to drive operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure timely production. This role requires a hands-on approach to process analysis, production/capacity planning, and cross-functional collaboration with design engineering, CI engineers, quality, and supply chain teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, a keen eye for detail, and experience in high-volume production environments. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in cycle time, productivity, cost reduction, throughput, and product quality.

Production Planning & Scheduling:

• Develop, maintain, and adjust short- and long-term production schedules based on order forecasts, inventory levels, and labor availability.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain to ensure materials are available for production, aligning schedules to prevent disruptions.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and floor teams to adjust schedules dynamically in response to unplanned events, equipment downtime, or staffing shortages.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and bottleneck assessments to identify areas for efficiency gains and waste reduction.
• Apply Lean principles (6S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects, developing actionable recommendations and implementing process changes to achieve measurable results.
• Perform process capability analysis.

Capacity Planning & Resource Allocation:

• Evaluate plant capacity and equipment utilization regularly to ensure the ability to meet production demands without overextending resources.
• Recommend adjustments to staffing levels, shift configurations, and machine usage to optimize throughput and balance workload.
• Develop and maintain capacity models to anticipate production constraints, both for short-term fluctuations and long-term growth.

Inventory & Material Management:

• Work with inventory control and materials teams to develop inventory policies, reorder points, and safety stock levels based on demand patterns and lead times.
• Monitor and report on inventory levels, identifying excess stock or shortages, and implementing strategies to improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs.
• Support material planning efforts by coordinating Kanban or Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) initiatives where applicable.

Cost Analysis & Efficiency Tracking:

• Conduct detailed cost analyses for production processes, considering material, labor, equipment, and overhead costs.
• Develop and implement cost-saving strategies through process redesign, waste reduction, and improved resource allocation.
• Track performance metrics (KPIs) such as cycle time, yield, and defect rates, using data to drive continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as a liaison between production, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve issues, improve product flow, and support new product introductions.
• Actively participate in project teams, contributing technical insights and feasibility assessments for design changes, product modifications, or equipment upgrades.
• Lead regular meetings to review production progress, address challenges, and align cross-functional priorities.

Technical Documentation & Standardization:

• Create and maintain accurate technical documents, including process maps, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to ensure consistent and efficient manufacturing practices.
• Develop daily standard work routines and performance tracking for shop floor staff to support process consistency and operational excellence.
• Ensure all technical documentation aligns with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering to integrate design specifications, improvements, and updates into technical documentation, ensuring manufacturing processes reflect the latest engineering developments.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Work closely with the Quality team to address quality issues promptly, using root cause analysis (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys) to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, OSHA), conduct safety audits and supporting corrective actions where needed.
• Drive process improvements focused on defect reduction, enhanced quality control, and adherence to quality standards.

Training & Development:

• Train production staff on new or revised processes, ensuring they understand operational changes and safety procedures.
• Develop training materials and conduct hands-on workshops to upskill teams in Lean principles, quality standards, and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree or relevant certification is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing planning, production engineering, or a similar role within a low mix high-volume manufacturing environment. Experience in [specific industry, e.g., automotive, aerospace, fabrication] is preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for production planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI) and ability to create and interpret process flow diagrams and statistical charts.
• Familiarity with CAD software and other design tools is a plus.
• Experience with development of Bills of Material and Method of Manufacturing/Routings.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement: Proven knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to present findings and recommendations to leadership and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action planning.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with frequent visits to the production floor.

Pay Range: $90k - $120k plus a discretionary bonus.

While a Company bonus is not guaranteed, this position’s maximum bonus percentage range can be up to 10% of base salary.

Company bonuses are not guaranteed and are based on your performance, the department’s performance and/or the Company’s financial results.

AGSE is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. "Pay scale" means the salary or hourly range that AGSE reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive. The pay scale for this position considers the wide range of factors that AGSE considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that it is not typical for AGSE employees to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role - especially as a new hire - and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.