Production Planner

Production Planner / Scheduler

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Production Planner / Scheduler to support a fast-paced, high mix, low volume manufacturing environment. You will develop and manage production schedules, leverage ERP/MES tools, and drive metrics-based decisions to ensure efficient use of resources and on-time delivery. This role is ideal for someone with experience in aerospace, defense, or innovative technology sectors who enjoys working with data, collaborating across teams, and continuously improving processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust production schedules that ensure optimal use of resources and support on-time delivery commitments.
• Monitor and adjust production schedules in response to changes in customer demand, resource availability, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to align production activities with organizational goals and priorities.
• Establish, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure production performance against targets and timelines.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, forecast production needs, and recommend process improvements to enhance throughput and reliability.
• Generate clear, data-driven reports and present findings, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Use ERP/MES tools to manage production workflows, inventory levels, and materials planning, ensuring accurate and timely information across the organization.
• Ensure accurate data entry, maintenance, and integrity within ERP/MES systems to support effective planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to optimize ERP/MES configurations and processes for production planning and scheduling.
• Act as a liaison between production, supply chain, and other internal functions to ensure seamless coordination and issue resolution.
• Lead and participate in regular meetings to communicate production goals, schedule status, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Foster a collaborative working environment that promotes cross-functional teamwork and shared accountability for production outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead initiatives to enhance production efficiency, quality, and predictability.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste, reduce bottlenecks, and maximize productivity across the production value stream.
• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices in production planning and scheduling, and introduce innovative solutions where appropriate.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in production planning and scheduling within a high mix, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or innovative technology industries, or similar advanced manufacturing environments.
• Strong proficiency with ERP and/or MES tools for managing production workflows, inventory, and materials planning.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and KPI tracking.
• Demonstrated experience working with MRP and production planning processes in a manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, including machining, avionics, or related production environments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Production Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Prior experience in high-tech or innovative companies in sectors such as electric vehicles, advanced defense technology, or commercial space.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• SQL skills or experience querying databases for reporting and analysis (considered a plus).
• Exposure to avionics or precision machining environments.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders using data-driven insights.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite at the company's headquarters in Long Beach within a modern engineering and development facility. You will work in a fast-paced, metrics-driven production environment that emphasizes collaboration between manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams. The setting includes access to ERP/MES systems, MRP tools, and standard office and shop-floor technologies to support data-driven planning and scheduling. The work schedule aligns with standard onsite business hours, with flexibility required at times to meet critical production deadlines. The culture encourages continuous improvement, open communication, and close engagement with operations on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hawthorne, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.50/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.