Material Planner

Description

About Protora

Protora is formerly C Speed. We build radar and surveillance systems that give military and government customers eyes on their airspace, borders, and critical sites. Our name draws from the Praetorian Guard , elite soldiers whose job was to watch and protect . That history shapes our mission today: we take first watch, so the people we protect don't have to . We are a growing company with a new brand and a clear direction .

The Role

Protora is hiring a Material Planner to coordinate material requirements, inventory availability, and procurement planning in support of manufacturing operations. This role works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Programs to ensure materials and components are available when needed to support production schedules, customer commitments, and operational readiness.

An initial priority will be supporting material planning and inventory readiness for Protora's new manufacturing facility, including establishing effective planning processes, coordinating material availability, and supporting production startup.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and organizational skills with hands‑on experience in material planning, inventory management, and manufacturing operations, preferably in a complex technical environment.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain material plans aligned with production schedules, forecasts, and program requirements.
• Monitor material availability, inventory levels, lead times, and demand to identify potential shortages or production delays.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and suppliers to ensure timely availability of materials, components, and assemblies.
• Review bills of material ( BOMs ), inventory records, and production requirements to identify material needs and discrepancies.
• Support material requirements planning ( MRP ), including maintaining accurate planning data, order quantities, and replenishment parameters.
• Track open purchase orders, material shortages, and delivery commitments; communicate risks and recommended corrective actions.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Programs to address material availability, engineering changes, and production schedule adjustments.
• Support inventory accuracy, cycle‑count activities, and reconciliation of material discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency, reduce excess or obsolete materials, and optimize material flow.
• Support material planning and inventory readiness for Protora's new manufacturing facility , including initial material requirements, inventory setup, and production ramp‑up.
• Develop and improve material‑planning procedures, reporting, and tracking tools to support consistent execution as operations grow.
• Provide regular updates on material status, shortages, delivery risks, and production readiness.

Requirements

What You Bring

• B.S. in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related discipline , or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of material planning, production planning, inventory management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage material requirements, inventory, and production‑related data.
• Working knowledge of bills of material (BOMs), production schedules, purchasing processes, and inventory controls.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze material requirements, inventory data, and planning reports.
• Experience coordinating with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, and other cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Effective communication and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to identify and escalat material shortages and delivery risks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, radar, electronics, or complex electromechanical manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting low‑volume, high‑complexity manufacturing or new product introduction.
• Familiarity with configuration‑controlled materials, engineering changes, and quality‑driven manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting new manufacturing facilities, production startups, or operational expansion.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM certification or related supply chain credentials.

Compensation | Benefits | Location

• Hourly Rate : $25.50 - $28.85 per hour (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits : Health, Dental & Vision Insurance | Paid Time Off ( PTO ) | Retirement Plan Package.
• Location : Norfolk, VA ( On‑site )

Why Join Protora

• Be part of the mission . Help ensure critical materials and components are available to build systems that support those who protect and defend.
• Own your function . Contribute to building effective material‑planning processes as Protora expands its manufacturing operations
• Work across the business . Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Programs to support production readiness and delivery.

Ready To Join the Mission?

Protora is always looking for talented professionals who want to do meaningful work with a team that treats every challenge like a mission.

For more information about Protora, please visit our website:

Protora provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.