Production Scheduler / Estimator

Clinkenbeard; South Beloit (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Clinkenbeard in South Beloit, IL, is hiring a Production Scheduler / Estimator to create and manage schedules for prototypes and production parts, coordinating workloads across machining, casting, and assembly.

The role reviews customer requirements and engineering docs, prepares estimates for labor, materials, and lead times, and collaborates with engineering, operations and customer service to meet delivery commitments and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and managing production schedules to meet deadlines.
• Ability to estimate labor, material costs and lead times.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and optimize resources.
• Excellent communication to coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and manage production schedules across departments.
• Review customer requirements, engineering docs, and lead times.
• Prepare labor, material, and lead-time estimates.
• Coordinate workloads with machining, casting, and assembly.
• Monitor progress, resolve conflicts, and adjust plans to meet delivery.
• Analyze performance data and suggest process improvements.

Skills

Production Schedules

Production Planning

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Inventory Control

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or business

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Scheduling tools

CNC machining

Casting processes

Job description

Company Description

Clinkenbeard, founded in 1966, is a global leader in rapid prototyping and production of complex cast and machined parts for industrial and aerospace OEMs. The company specializes in rapid metal castings, development hardware, prototype and low-volume production, and advanced 5-axis CNC machining in metals and plastics, including exotic alloys. Clinkenbeard also produces mechanical mockups, cutaways, training devices, and part-task training tools that support demanding engineering and manufacturing needs. The organization is AS9100 and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ITAR compliant, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality, precision, and regulatory standards. Team members collaborate closely with customers and internal engineering resources to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

Role Description

The Production Scheduler / Estimator is a full-time, on-site role based in South Beloit, IL. This role is responsible for creating, updating, and managing production schedules to ensure timely completion of prototypes and production parts, while coordinating workload across machining, casting, and assembly operations. Daily activities include reviewing customer requirements and engineering documentation, preparing accurate estimates for labor, materials, and lead times, and aligning schedules with capacity, inventory levels, and project priorities. The role collaborates with engineering, operations, and customer service teams to resolve scheduling conflicts, monitor progress, and adjust plans as needed to meet delivery commitments and quality standards. The Production Scheduler / Estimator also supports continuous improvement by analyzing performance data, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending process and planning enhancements.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong skills in Production Schedules and Production Planning to coordinate multiple jobs and meet customer deadlines.


• Candidates should possess solid Analytical Skills to interpret data, estimate costs and lead times, and optimize resource utilization.


• Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear updates to stakeholders.


• Candidates should possess Inventory Control skills to help manage materials, track availability, and support accurate scheduling.


• Experience in manufacturing environments, preferably aerospace or industrial machining, is beneficial.


• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, scheduling tools, and basic understanding of CNC machining and casting processes is preferred.


• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced setting are important.


• An associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is advantageous.