Inventory & Planning Coordinator

Thorlabs; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Company 401(k) plan

Generous PTO

Job summary

Thorlabs in Rochester, NY is seeking a Manufacturing Planner to monitor inventory and address shortages to meet forecasted demand. You will initiate production on time, ensure accurate traveler instructions, and help ship orders on schedule to support customer satisfaction.

The role requires at least 2 years in manufacturing with inventory control experience, familiarity with D365 or similar ERP, and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience with emphasis on inventory control.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions.
• Proficient with ERP systems and basic office software.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Responsibilities

• Review daily production schedule to meet due dates.
• Gather parts and prepare assembly trays for assembly.
• Track part movement between departments.
• Investigate and fix inventory discrepancies.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Perform manufacturing planning and push/pull actions.
• Inspect orders for accuracy before shipping.
• Execute product transfers and document processes.
• Suggest improvements to purchasing and inventory policies.

Skills

Inventory control

Interpersonal skills

Reading work orders

Mathematical skills

Production planning

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

D365 ERP

RFSmart

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabscontributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

Purpose of the Position

This position is responsible for monitoring inventory and addressing shortages of materials in order to meet forecasted business demand while ensuring Assembly department production orders are initiated timely, completed accurately, and shipped on schedule so that customer satisfaction is met.

Although the location of the position is in Rochester, NY, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following,

• Review the daily production schedule and determine the necessary timeframe needed to initiate production in order to meet established due dates.
• Obtain created instructions (traveler), collect needed parts from stock, and prepare assembly tray(s) for Assembly Technician to begin production of products.
• Track movement of all parts from department to department so that the traveler instructions are being accurately followed and completed.
• Investigate and correct any identified inventory issues, such as job quantity discrepancies.
• Work with purchasing to ensure that the critical components and raw materials are ordered and delivered on time.
• Proactively perform the Manufacturing Planning Process, such as reviewing the component/raw material supply and determining the required push/pull actions resulting from products on order.
• Inspect all completed orders to confirm they are picked, packed, and processed accurately before shipping takes place.
• Execute transfers of product systematically, as well as physically.
• Recommend process improvements regarding policies and procedures to ensure adequate control of all required purchases and inventories.

Salary range for this position is $30-$35 per hour depending on experience

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis,
• performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and
• procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in
• completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 35 pounds. Employees must be able to bend, stoop and climb to reach materials (must be able to climb a step ladder), grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of prior manufacturing experience with specialized background experience in inventory control.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with D365 (or other ERP system) and RFSmart system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals at all levels or the company. Working with individuals from all departments is a daily requirement.
• Must be able to understand written work instructions.
• Basic mathematic and analytical skills are required.
• Basic knowledge of production work orders and related inventory documents
• Basic Computer Skills such as Microsoft Office and Outlook

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.