Production Planner II

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.


You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.


Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Production Planner II to contribute to the development and execution of structured planning, scheduling, and material control processes. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in shaping planning and controls through ERP analysis, production performance insights, and proactive problem-solving.

What You'll Do

• Lead execution of MRP processes and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS), balancing production priorities, material availability, and capacity constraints to meet delivery commitments.
• Analyze production demand, material supply, and manufacturing capacity to proactively identify risks and develop mitigation plans that support on-time delivery (OTD) objectives.
• Assess and manage the production planning impacts of Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and New Product Introductions (NPI), ensuring material availability, schedule alignment, and manufacturing readiness.
• Participate in cross-functional production readiness reviews and provide planning, material, inventory, and schedule assessments to support successful product launches and product changes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Clear-to-Build processes and production readiness metrics to improve manufacturing execution and planning effectiveness.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Configuration Management teams to resolve material shortages, schedule conflicts, and production constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within production planning, inventory management, and ERP processes to increase efficiency, visibility, and data accuracy.
• Develop and maintain production planning reports, dashboards, and KPI analyses that provide actionable insights into schedule attainment, inventory performance, material availability, and production readiness.
• Extract, analyze, and reconcile ERP data to ensure accuracy of BOMs, MRP recommendations, inventory transactions, and work order statuses.
• Provide planning recommendations to management based on production trends, schedule performance, material risks, and business priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, supply chain planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience owning MRP-driven production planning activities within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, inventory management, BOM structures, manufacturing workflows, and production control processes.
• Experience supporting Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and New Product Introductions (NPI) within a production environment.
• Proven ability to analyze capacity constraints, material shortages, and production risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functional teams.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, metrics, and planning tools to support operational decision-making.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite ERP, including BOM management, MRP planning, inventory control, and work order management.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing planning best practices.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment including soldering, conformal coating, and electromechanical assembly operations and may require occasional travel to test sites, customer locations, or supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are M-F 7:00am to 4:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

• PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.