Production Control Planner

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.

This position supports program execution by developing, maintaining, and coordinating production schedules that align with customer requirements and manufacturing priorities. The role helps ensure materials, workflows, and job releases are synchronized across departments, enabling efficient execution, timely problem resolution, and clear communication of schedule status.

Schedule

• First shift

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains detailed production schedules aligned with customer requirements and delivery commitments.
• Builds rolling three‑month production forecasts and communicates schedules across functional teams.
• Utilizes manufacturing resource planning and enterprise resource planning (MRP/ERP) systems to coordinate production planning, material requirements, inventory, and workflows.
• Adjusts schedules based on demand changes, material constraints, capacity limitations, and evolving priorities.
• Analyzes production capacity, identifies bottlenecks, and recommends solutions to reduce delays.
• Coordinates closely with Procurement and Supply Chain to ensure timely material availability.
• Monitors material status, deliveries, and inventory levels to prevent shortages and support uninterrupted production.
• Maintains accurate MRP/ERP master data, including lead times, safety stock levels, and inventory parameters.
• Creates production jobs and manages travelers to support timely job release and manufacturing execution.
• Collaborates with Engineering to resolve issues affecting job release, production schedules, or customer delivery commitments.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing planning, scheduling, or operations management.
• Proficiency using MRP/ERP systems for production scheduling, workflow management, and inventory planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Epicor MRP/ERP software.
• Composite manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Project.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting throughout an 8‑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 for operating 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.

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, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law