Planner/Buyer

Blue Marble Communications is seeking a Planner/Buyer. This person will be responsible for planning production and supporting purchasing for one or more product lines. They will utilize best planning practices and exceptional communication to translate program requirements into achievable manufacturing orders. This position will require the candidate to work on site. The ideal candidate will have an aptitude and eagerness to learn. The candidate must be a self-starter with great time management skills and very strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• This position is responsible for supporting one or more programs through the planning, preparing, issuing and controlling of production and procurement activities
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of production schedules to meet program schedule requirements and business needs
• Responsible for reviewing material requirements and releasing purchase orders to procurement
• Report, address, and resolve any material issues affecting program schedule targets with manufacturing, procurement, engineering, or others as needed
• Processes work orders and material transactions for any deviations from the work order or non-conforming material dispositions.
• Execute and oversee ERP work order and inventory transactions (issues/returns/transfers/receipts, rework/repair, nonconforming dispositions) with strong emphasis on traceability, revision control, and adherence to internal standards.
• Own kit readiness by creating/maintaining kit schedules, coordinating with Inventory/Stockroom on kit releases, and proactively clearing blockers (shortages, substitutions, lead times, ERP issues) to support on-time work order start dates.
• Establish a consistent communication cadence with Inventory and Manufacturing (e.g., kit priority lists, shortage reports, daily/weekly check-ins) to confirm upcoming kit needs, align priorities, and ensure kits are staged and issued on time.
• Manage subcontract manufacturing workflows (e.g., PCBA assembly): coordinate PO placement, kit/shipment readiness, build priorities, status updates, issue resolution, and receipt/closure in the ERP system.
• Maintain all open PO data related to assigned programs in the ERP system, follow up on vendor emails, and expedite with vendors to ensure on time delivery
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and favorable payment terms where appropriate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, with 2 years of planning experience in a manufacturing environment
• 5 years of planning experience in a manufacturing environment in lieu of a degree
• Experience with ERP, especially SAP or SAP B1, preferred
• Highly self-motivated and proactive
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent MS Office skills, primarily Excel
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization
• Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills, including confidential information
• Aptitude to effectively plan, prioritize, execute, follow up, anticipate changes
• Must be able to meet strict deadlines and manage competing priorities
• Must have a thorough understanding of manufacturing planning principles, theories, techniques and concepts as well as ability to understand accounting and manufacturing systems in a production environment
• Must be a US Person (This position has export control and security-related requirements that mandate attention to the citizenship status of any potential candidate and necessitates that the individual either be a United States Citizen, Permanent Resident of the United States, or lawfully admitted into the United States as a refugee or granted asylum by the United States Government.)

About Blue Marble Communications

Blue Marble Communications designs and manufactures high-performance RF, free-space optical, and network communications modules and systems for deployment onboard satellites and other space vehicles. Our current product offerings include software-defined RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave modem/transceivers; optical laser communications terminals, Ethernet routers/switches, and systems comprised of combinations of these modules. BMC embraces a modern workplace culture and inclusive environment.

Compensation: 75,000-85,000/year (DOE)

In the case an offer is extended, it is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.