Production Planner

AST & Science LLC; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile in Midland, Texas, is seeking a Production Planner to optimize production processes and ensure alignment across cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3+ years of experience in high-tech or aerospace manufacturing. Responsibilities include managing production schedules and resolving material shortages. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment focused on eliminating connectivity gaps in mobile access.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in production planning or supply chain in high-tech manufacturing.
• Experience with Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) and scheduling methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for planning and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate production schedules across teams.
• Manage the Manufacturing Bill of Materials with accuracy.
• Identify and resolve material shortages impacting schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Effective collaboration

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Project or production tracking tools (Jira, Smartsheet)

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Production Planner to drive manufacturing readiness by planning, coordinating, and optimizing production processes to meet schedule deadlines and company objectives. This role plays a critical part in aligning cross‑functional teams, ensuring material and equipment availability, and maintaining accurate production schedules in a fast‑paced, high‑tech manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and communicate production and kitting schedules to ensure alignment across manufacturing and supply chain teams
• Define and manage the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) in partnership with Manufacturing Engineering, ensuring accuracy and timely updates
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to align priorities and establish a clear production path forward
• Partner with Supply Planning to proactively identify and resolve material shortages impacting production schedules
• Coordinate and prioritize activities across cross‑functional teams to meet production targets
• Monitor production progress and communicate schedule updates, risks, and critical path issues to stakeholders in a timely manner
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes to enhance efficiency and execution

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, or supply chain within a high‑tech or aerospace manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) and production scheduling methodologies
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional relationships across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for planning, scheduling, and data analysis

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a structured, data‑driven approach
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams and influence alignment
• Clear and concise communication skills, including the ability to brief leadership on production status and risks
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in scheduling and production data

Technology Stack

• ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced: pivot tables, scheduling, data analysis)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint)
• Project or production tracking tools (Jira, Smartsheet, or similar)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on‑site in both office and manufacturing environments
• Prolonged periods working on a computer
• Occasional time on the production floor as needed

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at‑will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.