Machine Shop Production Planner — Schedule & Optimize

Thorlabs; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs in Tallahassee is seeking a Machine Shop Purchaser Planner to coordinate production schedules, optimize machine utilization, and help ensure on-time delivery.

You will monitor materials, forecast demand, liaise with engineering, quality, and procurement, implement process improvements, and maintain accurate records of schedules and BOMs to minimize downtime. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning or scheduling within a machine shop or manufacturing environment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent shop scheduling experience.
• Proficiency in production scheduling software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to optimize workflow and meet delivery deadlines.
• Analyze capacity and workload, forecast production needs and adjust schedules as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely procurement of materials.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to reduce lead times.
• Serve as liaison between machine shop and departments such as engineering and procurement.
• Maintain records of production schedules, inventory, and shop activities.
• Address issues during production and develop contingency plans.

Skills

Production planning

Analytical thinking

Time management

Communication skills

Problem solving

BOM setup

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Production scheduling software

Job description

Thorlabs in Tallahassee is seeking a Machine Shop Purchaser Planner to coordinate production schedules, optimize machine utilization, and help ensure on-time delivery.

You will monitor materials, forecast demand, liaise with engineering, quality, and procurement, implement process improvements, and maintain accurate records of schedules and BOMs to minimize downtime. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment.