Production Planner

Rocket Lab; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company in the UAE as a Production Planner, where you will bridge Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to create and optimize production schedules for spacecraft. This hands-on role involves driving process improvements and working with ERP systems in a high-complexity manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in production planning or scheduling.
• Expert knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize production schedules for spacecraft assembly.
• Analyze BOMs to forecast material needs.
• Coordinate production workloads across various programs.

Skills

Production planning

Inventory management

Communication

Problem solving

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

MS Project

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

As a Production Planner at Orbitworks, you’ll be the first of your kind — a core bridge between Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Programs. You’ll lead the creation and management of detailed production schedules and material plans to support the build, integration, and testing of our spacecraft. This is a critical, hands-on role where you’ll drive process rigor and help scale production systems from the ground up. You’ll work directly with ERP/MRP systems, optimize workflows, and play a key part in meeting our delivery milestones in a high-mix, high-complexity manufacturing environment.

About this Role:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules for spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT)
• Analyze BOMs and program inputs to forecast material and resource needs
• Coordinate and prioritize production workload across multiple programs and work centers
• Plan, execute, and maintain demand integrity in ERP/MRP systems to drive procurement and production
• Identify and resolve issues related to material shortages, schedule conflicts, and production bottlenecks
• Establish and maintain data accuracy in ERP (e.g., item attributes, replenishment strategies, routings)
• Generate reports and metrics to provide visibility into production health, material status, and risk areas
• Contribute to continuous improvement of planning processes and system enhancements

Must Haves:

• 3–7 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or inventory management
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Expert knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, SAP)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or MS Project for scheduling, forecasting, and analysis
• Strong understanding of BOM structures, routings, and inventory management principles
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments
• Strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and ability to work in a dynamic environment

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• APICS or PMI certification (CPIM, CSCP, PMP)
• SQL or other programming experience for data extraction and automation
• Ability to obtain a security clearance

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.