Inventory Planner

Inventory Planner

We are seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Planner to oversee daily material movements and maintain accurate inventory control. The Inventory Planner coordinates inventory activities and material movement across assigned manufacturing facilities and the Distribution Center (DC). The role combines inventory control with daily operational planning, cross-functional communication, issue resolution, and timely escalation. Responsibilities include accurate records, material custody, and reliable follow-through to support production and facility growth.

Inventory Management and Daily Planning

• Coordinate and monitor incoming and outgoing goods, prioritize daily activities, and track completion in accordance with company procedures.
• Perform monthly and annual inventory counts, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate approved corrections to maintain accurate stock records.
• Maintain material custody, traceable movement records, accurate quantities, and organized storage in designated locations.

SAP/MES and Material Processing

• Use assigned SAP/MES inventory workflows to maintain timely, accurate records. Complete required training and demonstrate proficiency before performing transactions independently.
• Coordinate picking and issuance of work order materials in MES and/or SAP according to Bill of Materials (BOM) requirements and production priorities.
• Receive and process work order material turn-ins in MES and/or SAP, verifying quantities and supporting documentation.
• Receive and confirm purchase order materials released by Quality Control in MES and/or SAP, within assigned responsibilities and authorization.

DC and Facility Coordination

• Serve as an assigned on-site contact for DC or Fab site activities; coordinate material movement, storage locations, and handoffs between facilities while maintaining safe, organized storage areas.
• Work with Production Control, Receiving, Shipping, Quality Control, and other teams on delivery schedules, special picking needs, stock checks, and unresolved material issues.

Problem Solving and Operational Support

• Identify inventory and operational issues, resolve routine matters within assigned authority, and promptly escalate discrepancies, delays, or risks. Track actions through closure and provide status updates.
• Support process improvements, maintain applicable work instructions and records, and perform other assigned inventory or DC coordination tasks.
• Follow required safety procedures, inventory controls, and approval requirements; report abnormal activities to the manager.

Qualifications

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to identify discrepancies and follow issues through resolution.
• Proactive, responsible, and dependable; able to prioritize work, learn new systems, and exercise judgment within assigned authority in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills. Qualification and proficiency criteria apply consistently to external candidates and internal applicants.

Preferred:

• Relevant certifications are a plus.
• Inventory, logistics, warehouse, or related experience is preferred
• Prior SAP/MES or ERP inventory module experience is preferred

Location & Work Environment

This is a full-time, exempt on-site position based at one of our Houston-area facilities in Sugar Land, Missouri City, or Pearland, Texas. Work environments may include office, warehouse, and cleanroom manufacturing areas.

Standard hours are 9:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. CT, MondayFriday. Occasional after-hours flexibility may be required to support unpredictable, seasonal, or business-critical needs. Why AOI? In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.