Buyer/Planner

Plasma-Therm, LLC; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CHA Industries, recently acquired by Plasma-Therm, seeks a Production Planner to optimize production flow and coordinate scheduling across shop functions in Livermore, CA. The role emphasizes strong communication, Lean experience, and cross-functional collaboration with Area leads, management, and purchasing.

Responsibilities include planning releases, addressing bottlenecks, and ensuring on-time delivery while maintaining cost controls.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from a two-year college or technical school in related discipline.
• Seven years of production planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage the release of jobs per the Capacity plan.
• Address bottlenecks with Area Leads and Management to ensure on-time shipment.
• Enter Sales Orders and manage planning, coordination, and prioritization of jobs.
• Determine manpower, equipment and raw materials to cover production demand.
• Monitor jobs to finish on time and within budget.
• Address issues to minimize disruption and update job status as needed.
• Mentor/train junior staff and support safety, quality, and environmental processes.

Skills

Lean/work cell experience

Communication abilities

Production planner experience

Planning & capacity planning

Organizational & problem solving

Education

Associate degree in related discipline

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

CHA Industries is a leader in the design, production, and distribution of vacuum deposition systems and precision coating equipment. All systems and components are carefully designed and manufactured at our central location, which ensures reliable support, quality, and performance that our customers have come to expect.

In addition to developing the Mark 50, an industry workhorse, we also pioneered planetary filtering. Building on this foundation of expertise, we continue to offer a range of advanced filtering solutions, including planetary, lift-off, and flip filtering, for a variety of applications.

Furthermore, we’re excited to announce that CHA Industries has been acquired by Plasma-Therm . This strategic partnership significantly expands our capabilities, providing even more advanced solutions, increased resources, and access to a broader global network. As a result, both our existing and prospective clients will benefit from enhanced support and innovative products, allowing us to better meet your unique business needs and help you succeed in today’s fast-paced market.

As a production planner you are well-versed in production operations and processes and ways to optimize them. You are organized and results-driven with good problem-solving skills. Advanced communication and computer skills are very useful for this role.

The goal is to ensure the smooth flow of production through the shop.

• Interface daily with the shop floor, Area Leads, Management, Purchasing and Customers.
• Schedule and releases (cut Jobs) per the Production Schedule and Capacity plan.
• Works with manufacturing on scheduling based on material status and available capacity.
• Respond to customer requests (forward upgrade/retrofit requests and system quote requests to Inside Sales team)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedule/manage the release of jobs per the Capacity plan
• Address any bottle necks by working with the Area Leads and Management to ensure orders ship on time. Update the SO and Job due dates as required
• Entering of Sales Orders
• Planning, coordinating and prioritizing Jobs through the shop to ensure maximum performance and minimum delay
• Determining manpower, equipment and raw materials needed to cover production demand
• Monitor jobs to ensure they will finish on time and within budget
• Address issues when they arise aiming for minimum disruption
• Prepare and submit status as processes require
• Updates Jobs based on demand changes
• Mentor/train junior members of the organization
• Other duties as assigned.
• It is every employee’s responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the applicable Safety & Health, Quality and Environmental Process of the Company.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree from a two-year college or technical school in related discipline
• Seven years of production planning experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Prior Lean or Work Cell experience a major plus
• Excellent communication abilities
• Proven experience as a production planner
• Excellent knowledge of production planning and capacity planning principles
• Working knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The normal work environment is typical of a business office, manufacturing operation.
• The incumbent is routinely required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, touch, see, and hear, and may be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the regular duties of the position, the incumbent may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and possible exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The incumbent must be able to wear safety equipment and follow safety instructions.