Material Planner

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerlyTelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

The Material Planner position is located onsite at the Astronics CSC in Waukegan, Illinois. This role is not remote and requires regular, in-person collaboration with production, supply chain, and quality teams.

 Summary

The Material Planner ensures that all materials and components are available to meet production requirements within a machine shop or manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating material flow to support efficient production operations while maintaining balanced inventory levels and preventing shortages or excess. The role contributes to an efficient, cost-effective supply chain and requires strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills to support cost control, inventory optimization, and on-time delivery. Key responsibilities include procurement, production planning, and effective communication across departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of commodities, including customer metal, electronics, and cables.
• Ability to read technical documents such as BOMs and drawings.
• Recommend and implement cost improvement initiatives to increase company margins.
• Develop strong supply chain and vendor relationships; manage suppliers and commodities for ongoing supply and competitive pricing.
• Issue and manage purchase orders to support manufacturing and engineering material requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate market conditions and recommend alternate courses of action when necessary.
• Investigate, develop, and obtain supplier quotations to ensure best total cost/value for commodities.
• Pursue cost savings through collaboration with supplier representatives, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and others.
• Collect, analyze, and recommend solutions to quality and delivery problems on purchased materials.
• Implement and comply with ethical and legal compliance requirements.

Production Collaboration and Process Support

• Release work orders for outside processing that could include testing, chemical processing, painting, etc.
• Ensure coordination between supply chain, machining, assembly, and quality teams.
• Develop routing steps based on outside processing requirements.
• Track outside processing work orders
• Update work orders as needed
• Provide timely updates to production teams on material status and potential risks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Foster clear communication within Production, Supply Chain, Shipping, and Quality departments.
• Analyze inventory levels and usage to determine reorder points and safety stock requirements.
• Maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization and with suppliers.
• Evaluate and advise management on improvements to materials, equipment, price changes, and sourcing.

 Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

 Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of material planning or production control experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, Dynamics 365, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical skills with Excel and data analysis tools.
• Understanding of machining processes, bill of materials, and routings preferred.

 Preferred:

• Intermediate to Advanced Excel Experience with Basic to Intermediate skills in Microsoft Suite products.
• Intermediate to Advanced Experience with a mid-tier ERP system (Epicor, Intuitive, or Dynamics 365 preferred).
• Experience in a contract manufacturing environment
• Understanding of machining processes, bill of materials, and routings preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $70,000 - $90,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a "safe harbor" plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program