Master Scheduler

Astronics; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

Annual bonus

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Health/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Astronics seeks an experienced Master Scheduler to own the Master Production Schedule across programs, translating demand into a capacity-constrained plan. You will bridge Sales, Supply Chain, Engineering and Operations, mentoring planners and guiding leadership on scheduling decisions.

You will lead RCCP, review forecasts, and manage daily/weekly meetings to recover schedules. The role requires 8+ years in manufacturing scheduling and strong ERP/MRP expertise.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in production/master scheduling within manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in related field; CPIM/CSCP preferred.
• Strong analytical and mentoring capabilities.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, RCCP/CRP, and BI tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional discussions and decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule for multiple programs.
• Lead rough-cut capacity planning and validate schedule feasibility.
• Confirm order promising by reviewing forecasts and lead times.
• Lead daily/weekly meetings to resolve bottlenecks and adjust schedules.
• Set scheduling policies, planning horizons, and lot sizing in ERP/MRP.
• Incorporate ABC/XYZ and release work orders including RMAs.
• Guide Engineering Change Management in production plans.
• Create standard work and mentor planning staff on scheduling best practices.
• Maintain Kanban systems and ensure data integrity.
• Stay current on AS9102 and related audit/compliance.

Skills

Mentoring & coaching

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Operations

APICS CPIM/CSCP certification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel (advanced)

Power BI/Tableau

RCCP/CRP capacity planning

APS tools

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Master Scheduler to own and drive the Master Production Schedule (MPS) across multiple programs and product groups. In this role, you'll translate customer demand, sales forecasts, and inventory strategy into a realistic, capacity-constrained production plan - serving as the critical link between Sales, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations. While this position doesn't carry formal supervisory authority, you'll act as a trusted advisor and mentor, guiding Production Planners and partnering with senior leadership to keep production running smoothly and on schedule.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule and production plan for multiple programs/product groups, balancing customer demand with department capacity and supply chain constraints in alignment with the SIOP process.
• Lead rough-cut capacity planning (RCCP) to validate schedule feasibility against labor, equipment, and material constraints, escalating capacity requirements planning (CRP) needs as necessary.
• Review sales orders, forecasts, and lead times to confirm accurate customer shipment dates ("order promising"), coordinating with Supply Chain and other teams on commitment requests inside and outside standard lead time.
• Lead daily/weekly production meetings to resolve bottlenecks, track order status, and adjust schedules in real time, acting as the key point of contact between Operations and product groups for schedule recovery plans.
• Establish and maintain scheduling policies, planning horizons, time fences, and lot-sizing rules within the ERP/MRP system, ensuring data integrity and schedule accuracy.
• Incorporate the ABC/XYZ program into the broader production plan.
• Release work orders, including rework and RMAs requiring unique BOMs/routers.
• Guide integration of Engineering Change Management into the production schedule with minimal disruption to throughput.
• Create and update standard work, guidelines, and work instructions for Master Scheduling processes.
• Mentor Production Planners and planning staff, offering technical guidance, best practices, and acting as an escalation point for complex scheduling conflicts.
• Maintain and adjust Kanban pull systems.
• Stay current on AS9102 and related audit/compliance requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You're Looking For

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP) or related credential preferred.
• Typically 8+ years of direct experience in production/master scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to weigh costs and benefits in complex situations.
• Skilled at analyzing data to identify root causes and underlying drivers.
• Creative thinker who can develop new approaches, systems, or process improvements.
• Comfortable providing consultation and advice to management on technical and process topics.
• Able to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and incomplete information with confidence.
• Natural mentor and teacher, able to train and develop planning staff.

Technical Skills

• Advanced ERP/MRP system experience, including hands-on configuration and parameter management.
• Proficiency with database/query tools and advanced Excel (pivot tables, macros, Power Query); experience with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau a plus.
• Working knowledge of capacity planning methodologies (RCCP, CRP, finite/infinite scheduling); familiarity with APS tools a plus.
• Advanced skills across standard office productivity software.
• Primarily office-based with regular presence on the production floor.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 lbs.

Why You'll Enjoy Working Here:

• Flexibility that works: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
• Culture of Balance & Growth - We believe in creating space for life outside of work while offering constant opportunities to sharpen your skills and grow your career.
• Pay range: $75,000-$85,000/year to be influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs.
• Competitive rewards: Benefits start the first of the month after hire, quarterly bonus tied to company profitability, 401(k) with 3% company contribution, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid holidays (including a full Christmas week shutdown), and comprehensive health/vision/dental coverage.

• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check
• Ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions and correspondence.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and arms to pull handles and push buttons and reach objects. Requirements may also include repetitive motions, climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching or crawling.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Due to federal contract obligations, this position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
• Astronics LSI is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [e-mail]; or call: 716-655-0800. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side‑by‑side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer‑focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.