Production Planner

American Flowform & Machining; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Aerospace and Defense is seeking a Production Planner to coordinate scheduling and production activities in a manufacturing setting in Massachusetts. You will align demand with capacity, monitor materials, and collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Warehouse, Quality, and Sales to keep production on time and within inventory targets.

The role requires 1–3 years of production planning experience, strong ERP/MRP and Excel skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Job Boss) and strong Excel skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, engineering, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand, forecasts, and capacity.
• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly production requirements.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Procurement, Warehouse, and Quality teams to meet schedules.

Skills

Production planning

MRP/ERP systems

Inventory management

Capacity planning

Demand forecasting

Cross-functional communication

Excel & data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Job Boss

Job description

The Production Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating production activities to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, on time, and according to customer demand. This role works closely with Procurement, Operations, Warehouse, Quality, and Sales teams to maintain optimal inventory levels and meet production requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and production capacity.
• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly production requirements.
• Coordinate production activities with Manufacturing, Procurement, Warehouse, and Quality teams.
• Review sales orders, forecasts, and inventory levels to determine material and production requirements.
• Create and maintain work orders, production orders, and planning schedules in the ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor raw material and component availability to prevent production delays.
• Coordinate with Procurement to ensure materials are ordered and delivered on time.
• Track production progress and adjust schedules as needed due to changes in demand, material shortages, equipment issues, or capacity constraints.
• Identify potential production bottlenecks and proactively develop solutions.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Monitor production performance against planned schedules and communicate delays or changes to management.
• Work with the production team to prioritize urgent orders and meet customer delivery requirements.
• Assist in all Cycle Counting Processes including Reporting to Leadership.
• Analyze production data, forecasts, capacity, and inventory to improve planning accuracy.
• Prepare production planning reports and communicate schedule updates to relevant departments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize production resources.
• Ensure planning activities comply with company procedures, quality standards, and customer requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, supply chain, or manufacturing.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the work, compliance with federal contracts, and exposure to ITAR/EAR-regulated technical data.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (Job Boss).
• Strong knowledge of inventory management and production processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Production planning and scheduling
• MRP/ERP systems
• Inventory management
• Capacity planning
• Material requirements planning
• Demand forecasting
• Supply chain coordination
• Excel and data analysis
• Production monitoring
• Problem solving
• Cross-functional communication

The job operates in a manufacturing atmosphere. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those any employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to:

• Vibration, or works near moving mechanical parts and high, precarious and congested places
• Occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock
• Work on or near moving mechanical parts
• Exposed to prolonged risk of loud to moderate noise throughout the day. Hearing protection is recommended in all areas of the shop and is provided by the Company

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Walk; sit; stand; bend; lift; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; use hands to fingers; handle or feel objects; and move continually during working hours
• Lift over 50 pounds, along with over the head lifting
• Vision abilities, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus
• Able to work flexible hours – including over-time, and weekends to meet customer demands

Personal Protective Equipment

required to perform the essential functions of this job

• ANSI rated metatarsal shoes
• Safety glasses

Disclaimers

The job description is:

• Intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and behaviors of employees in this job.
• Not an employment agreement or contract. Applied Aerospace and Defense has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
• Intended to describe the essential functions of the position that a qualified individual must be able to perform, either with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applied Aerospace and Defense will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.