Production Planning & Documentation Specialist

Production Planning & Documentation Specialist

Santa Maria, CA

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Production Planning & Documentation Specialist to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director, CNC Manufacturing, the Production Planning & Documentation Specialist will support efficient production flow in a high-mix/low-volume aerospace machine shop by managing work orders, coordinating materials, and ensuring all technical documentation used on the shop floor is accurate and up to date. This role serves as a key link between engineering, procurement, quality, and the production team, helping to maintain smooth operations while supporting essential documentation processes tied to manufacturing activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Production Planning
  • Create, release, and track work orders (travelers).
  • Distribute travelers, prints, and inspection sheets to the production floor.
  • Coordinate with procurement to confirm raw material availability.
  • Monitor production progress, identify delays, and assist in resolving bottlenecks.
  • Maintain accurate work order status and data within the ERP/MRP system.
  • Communicate effectively between engineering, procurement, quality, and production teams to ensure alignment and on-time delivery.
• Documentation Coordination
  • Scan, upload, organize, and maintain work orders and production-related documents.
  • Ensure correct blueprint revisions, work instructions, and related documents are issued with each work order.
  • Assist in processing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) by updating and redistributing affected production documents.
  • Archive obsolete shop documents while maintaining full traceability.
  • Help create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions related to production processes.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate production-related documentation when needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in production planning, documentation coordination, or related manufacturing roles.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (MS Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Strong Excel skills.
• Understanding of revision control practices and basic configuration management concepts.
• Experience in aerospace/defense or high-mix/low-volume machining environments.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills across multiple departments.
• Ability to problem-solve and adjust priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$70,000 - $90,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.