Planner

Microwave Power Products (MPP); Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) match

Commuter benefits

EV charging

Paid time off

Job summary

Microwave Power Products (MPP) in Palo Alto, CA, is hiring a Planner - Materials and Production to plan production and purchase parts to meet schedules, maintain material availability, and support efficient manufacturing flow.

The role requires 5–8 years of materials/production experience, proficiency with Excel/Word, and the ability to follow written and verbal English instructions. APICS certification is preferred; overtime may be required to meet production priorities.

Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent. Must be PC literate with Microsoft applications (Excel/Word) and be able to generate documentation.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in related materials/production activity, APICS preferred.
• Ability to follow written/verbal instructions in English.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse workforce across all levels of the organization.
• Must have initiative and work well in a fast‑paced environment.
• Some overtime may be required to meet production priorities.

Responsibilities

• MRP planning & scheduling. Analyze MRP output to ensure material availability to meet planned issue week. Generate work order releases and prepare picklist and documentation router packets to stockrooms for kit picking.
• Initiates manufacturing orders or purchase requisitions as assigned with emphasis on planned medium to low dollar value items based on the master production schedule and inventory requirements.
• Initiates the rescheduling actions necessary to meet the master production plan.
• Works with Production supervisors and Master Schedulers to ensure execution and conformance to production schedules.
• Assists in establishing planning factors such as items planning lead‑times and order policies.
• Resolves problems associated with discrepant material, rework, scrap, over shipment and shortages.
• Supports with special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel/Word

English proficiency

Initiative

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

APICS certification (preferred)

Tools

APICS

Job description

Planner - Materials and Production | $30 –$35/hr | Palo Alto, CA

Keep production moving. Keep materials flowing. Make an impact.

With more than seven decades of innovation, Microwave Power Products (MPP) plays a vital role in technologies people rely on every day. Our precision-engineered components power modern communications systems, support critical defense platforms, enable medical treatments and diagnostics, drive industrial processes, and advance scientific research.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, MPP is a global manufacturer specializing in high-reliability electronic components and subsystems for the communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets. In 2024, MPP joined the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG), gaining the support and stability of a leading aerospace organization while continuing to operate with a hands‑on, fast-moving culture.

For planners, this means contributing to a team where material availability, schedule execution, and operational excellence directly support mission‑critical programs around the world.

PRIMARY FUNCTION (Role Summary)

Plan production and purchase parts to meet schedule requirements, maintain material availability, and support efficient manufacturing flow.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR (Job Duties)

• MRP planning & scheduling. Analyze MRP output to ensure material availability to meet planned issue week. Generate work order releases and prepare picklist and documentation router packets to stockrooms for kit picking.
• Initiates manufacturing orders or purchase requisitions as assigned with emphasis on planned medium to low dollar value items based on the master production schedule and inventory requirements. Initiates the rescheduling actions necessary to meet the master production plan.
• Works with Production supervisors and Master Schedulers to ensure execution and conformance to production schedules.
• Assists in establishing planning factors such as items planning lead‑times and order policies
• Resolves problems associated with discrepant material, rework, scrap, over shipment and shortages
• Supports with special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE (Preferred Qualifications)

• High school degree or equivalent. Must be PC literate with Microsoft applications (Excel/Word) and be able to generate documentation.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in related materials/production activity, APICS preferred.
• Ability to follow written/verbal instructions in English.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse workforce across all levels of the organization.
• Must have initiative and work well in a fast‑paced environment.
• Some overtime may be required to meet production priorities.

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Access to certain controlled information may be limited to individuals who qualify as “U.S. persons” (generally U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals). Non-U.S. persons may still apply; however to be eligible for the role, access to controlled information may require U.S. government authorization.

Applicants must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements. For security clearance position, the candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance as required, holding a security clearance is a plus.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Commuter benefits within Stanford Research Park
• Complimentary EV charging
• Paid time off and holidays

The anticipated pay range for this position is $30–$35 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

This position may be filled at either the Planner I or Planner II level, based on the candidate's demonstrated experience, technical knowledge, and ability to independently perform the responsibilities of the role.

As a General Guideline

• Planner I: Typically aligns with 0–2 years of relevant experience, with compensation starting at $29.28 per hour.
• Planner II: Typically aligns with 2–5 years of relevant experience, with compensation up to $34.62 per hour.

Candidates with directly applicable and transferable experience in manufacturing, power electronics, aerospace, or defense environments may be considered for higher placement within the pay range. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and overall alignment with the position's requirements.

OUR WORKPLACE COMMITMENT

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us.

MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.