Job Description:
The Production Planner serves as the critical link between key stakeholders for Aerospace and Defense applications. This position ensures daily tactical execution of customer programs through direct coordination with production, planning, purchasing, and engineering. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing details such as material flow, work order status, and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery and program success.
This hands-on role is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of assigned programs, ensuring that production and customer requirements are met accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with company goals. The Production Planner maintains program visibility, coordinates interdepartmental communication, and supports continuous improvement initiatives on the shop floor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Coordinate daily program priorities across production, engineering, and purchasing teams to ensure efficient material and workflow.
Track shortages, work orders, and schedule variances; update ERP system to ensure accurate visibility of progress.
Manage and update work orders, including releasing, rescheduling, and reconciling as required.
Review open sales orders, RODs, and assets to ensure timely progression through production.
Serve as the primary internal liaison between Production Control, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management for assigned contracts.
Support creation and maintenance of routers, PQDRs, and other program documentation.
Monitor line of balance, key milestones, and customer schedules to identify potential delays and implement recovery actions.
Provide daily and weekly program status updates, including metrics for cost, schedule, and delivery performance.
Attend daily operations meetings and represent assigned programs, addressing production constraints and resolving issues in real time.
Partner with supply chain and engineering teams to resolve material shortages or technical obstacles impacting production flow.
Support continuous improvement activities aimed at reducing cycle time, improving accuracy, and enhancing program visibility.
Maintain documentation and reporting requirements for customer contracts and internal management review.
Job Requirements and Qualifications:
Skills
Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, and manufacturing workflows.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across departments and levels.
Hands-on problem solver who can prioritize, adapt, and resolve issues quickly.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools; familiarity with Word, Project, and PowerPoint.
Comfortable working in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment requiring adaptability and precision.
Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field is preferred, but not required with relevant experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in production planning, program coordination, or manufacturing operations (aerospace preferred).
Prior experience with government or commercial aerospace programs a plus.
Familiarity with line of balance, schedule management, and MRP demand planning.
Experience representing businesses in relationships with government agencies is a plus.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
Work Eligibility (ITAR): This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident or persons with protected status. Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Thank you for your interest. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants chosen for further consideration will be contacted.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Thomas Instrument Inc. will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume
Thomas Instrument is an EEO employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, medical condition (GINA), or disability.