Operational Planner of Design and Manufacturing

Description: We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Operational Planner to support production, engineering, and supply chain activities within a fast-paced aerospace and defense engineering environment. The Operational Planner will be responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules, coordinating cross-functional operational activities, monitoring resource utilization, and ensuring alignment with program milestones, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements. This role requires strong planning, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with experience working in highly regulated aerospace or advanced manufacturing environments.

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain operational and production schedules for aerospace engineering programs and manufacturing activities.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure schedule adherence and material availability.
• Monitor capacity planning, labor utilization, tooling availability, and production constraints.
• Analyze operational data and KPIs to identify schedule risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support program execution by tracking milestones, deliverables, and production readiness activities.
• Prepare and maintain planning documentation, reports, and dashboards for leadership review.
• Participate in cross-functional coordination efforts.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to mitigate delays and resolve operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, quality requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to operational efficiency, inventory management, and workflow optimization.
• Assist in implementing ERP/MRP system updates and planning process improvements.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or experience in related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations planning, production planning, or program coordination within aerospace, defense, aviation, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems such as:
• SAP
• Oracle
• Deltek
• Strong understanding of:
• Production scheduling
• Supply chain coordination
• Manufacturing operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and production documentation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated, deadline-driven environment.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace quality standards such as:
• AS9100
• FAA regulations
• ISO standards
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting defense or government aerospace programs is a plus.
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic Planning
• Operational Coordination
• Analytical Thinking
• Risk Management
• Attention to Detail
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
  
  

Working Conditions

• Office and manufacturing floor environment.
• May require occasional travel to suppliers, customer sites, or production facilities.
• Ability to work extended hours during critical production or program milestones.
  
  

Working Conditions

Indoor office environment

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

About Swift Engineering

If you’re passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

71,000 - 95,000 USD per year (san clemente, ca)