Production Control Planner

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you will develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules that support the timely delivery of complex aerospace hardware. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Project Management to coordinate capacity, material availability, workflow, and production priorities. Your ability to anticipate constraints, maintain accurate planning data, and drive corrective actions will directly support schedule performance across critical hypersonics and missile-defense programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains detailed production schedules and rolling three-month forecasts aligned with customer requirements and delivery commitments.
• Utilizes manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage production schedules, material requirements, inventory, and manufacturing workflow.
• Analyzes production capacity, material availability, demand forecasts, and changing priorities to identify constraints and adjust schedules accordingly.
• Coordinates with Procurement and Supply Chain to monitor material status, deliveries, and inventory levels and prevent shortages that could disrupt production.
• Maintains accurate MRP/ERP master data, including lead times, safety stock, inventory parameters, and other information supporting effective production planning.
• Creates production jobs and manages travelers to support timely job release and manufacturing execution.
• Collaborates with Manufacturing and Engineering to resolve issues affecting job release, production schedules, workflow, or customer delivery commitments.
• Monitors production progress, identifies schedule deviations and bottlenecks, and drives corrective and recovery actions to minimize delays.
• Leads and participates in production and schedule reviews, communicating priorities, risks, recovery plans, and weekly program updates to cross-functional teams and Project Managers.
• Performs root cause analysis and supports process improvements that reduce lead times, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen schedule performance.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• Two or more years of experience in manufacturing planning, scheduling, or operations management.
• Experience using manufacturing resource planning (MRP) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for production scheduling, workflow management, and inventory planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Project.
• Composite manufacturing experience.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting throughout an eight-hour workday.
• Availability for overtime, including extended hours and occasional Saturdays.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, or carrying of up to 50 lbs (minimum 35 lbs).
• Sufficient dexterity to operate a computer and office equipment.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive motion may be required.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• First shift.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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