Production Planner 3

Company Description

Thermal Structures Inc. has been an industry-leading manufacturer since 1951, specializing in custom fabricated insulation blankets, heat shields, fire shields, composite structures, and metallic and silicone seals. Our insulation products are used in aerospace and industrial applications to protect critical components such as engines, ducting, valves, mechanical equipment, sensors, electronics, and wire harnesses. We feature a NADCAP-approved composites manufacturing facility, producing lightweight non-metallic structures for aerospace applications. Located in Corona, CA, Thermal Structures Inc. is ISO 9001 and AS9100 approved.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Planner 3 at Thermal Structures Inc. located in Corona, CA. Planner 3 oversees production planning, scheduling, and material coordination in support of aerospace manufacturing programs. Planner 3 will play a critical role in aligning customer demand, production capacity, and supply chain resources to ensure on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and compliance with aerospace quality and regulatory requirements. Planner 3 supports the Planning Manager in directing the activities of their subordinates and regularly provides support to and supervision of the Planning Group.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Experience in production planning, scheduling, and inventory management
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in using planning and scheduling software

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Company Representation to Customers

o Directly conduct interactions with customers regarding customer orders

o Review and approve/accept pricing terms in conjunction with Agreements

o Exercises personal judgement to accept or reject orders based upon specific criteria

o Works with Customers to adjust delivery schedules as needed and commits the Company to any adjusted timelines

o Exercises personal judgement in Customer-requested changes to products in accordance with Company policy and industry standards

• Production Planning & Scheduling

o Develop, maintain, and optimize the Master Production Schedule (MPS) across assigned multiple aerospace programs.

o Analyze demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and material availability to create executable plans and communicate them internally and externally.

o Adjust schedules proactively to mitigate risks, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure contractual delivery.

• Cross-Functional Leadership

o Serve as the primary planning liaison between the Customer, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

o Lead planning meetings to communicate priorities, resolve conflicts, and align with production goals.

• Material & Capacity Management

o Oversee Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes within the ERP system (e.g., Epicor Kinetic, SAP) and direct the Materials organization to ensure demands are met.

o Monitor supplier performance and inventory positions to prevent shortages and minimize excess.

o Coordinate capacity planning activities, balance labor, machines, and tooling.

o Work with Operations to ensure proper staffing levels to meet Company commitments. 

• Continuous Improvement & Compliance

o Identify, recommend and implement process improvements to enhance throughput, reduce cost, and increase accuracy.

o Ensure all planning activities comply with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, DoD, and customer-specific requirements.

o Mentor and develop junior planners to support career growth and organizational excellence.

o Support the Planning Manager in directing the activities of junior planners and where necessary, provide feedback on the performance and efficacy of their work to the Planning Manager.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business-related discipline, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or Engineering. APICS/CPIM certification; or equivalent experience in a planning leadership role

• Minimum of five years of planning/scheduling experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong ERP/MRP system expertise (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent); advanced Excel/Power BI skills.

• Previous experience in a supervisory role.

• Must be able to communicate audibly and in written form in English at a professional level.

• If ITAR-controlled products are included in scope of responsibilities must meet the federal definition of “a U.S. Person.”

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer.

• Must be able to communicate audibly.

• Must be ambulatory (with or without mechanical assistance) to visit the production floor.

• Must be able to use traditional communication devices, (telephones, E-mail, texting)

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. 

Compensation:

DOE: Salaried - $75,000 - $95,000