Production Planner

Production Planner

ExoTerra is a microsatellite company specializing in solar electric propulsion systems and space‑exploration satellites. We design and manufacture Hall thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites, and upper‑stage launch vehicle components. With multiple propulsion and satellite contracts underway, we are seeking a self‑motivated Production Planner to help elevate our production operations.

The Production Planner is responsible for optimizing material usage and production schedules, evaluating supplier performance, and ensuring timely, high‑quality delivery. This role also monitors material flow, proactively identifies shortages or bottlenecks, and implements solutions to maintain efficient production

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and maintain an actionable production plan and finite‑capacity schedule aligned with schedulers and production teams.
• Convert demand into Manufacturing Orders and clear workflows for production teams.
• Coordinate with Program Management and production teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and update scheduling of floor activities.
• Participate in forecasting meetings with Operations, Inventory, Finance, Shipping, and Purchasing to translate decisions into updated MOs.
• Serve as a key liaison between business functions supporting the manufacturing of conforming products.
• Coordinate Inventory and Procurement to ensure timely ordering of supply to help meet production deadlines.
• Work with Design Engineering to review BOMs and release dates to initiate procurement activities.
• Engage with vendors for part quotations and seek cost‑improvement opportunities.
• Maintain positive and productive working relationships across all organizational levels.
• Support KPIs for Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost by adjusting plans while minimizing schedule churn, expediting, and improving execution stability.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 3+ years of relevant planning and manufacturing experience.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Costpoint or NetSuite Experience preferred
• Great leadership attributes and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly react to changes in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Must be eligible to work in the US

Desired Skills

• Experienced in using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office to plan and manage current and future projects while coordinating production workflows and staffing needs across multiple departments for efficient execution.
• Procurement experience is a plus.
• Skilled in coordinating production workflows and staffing to support multiple concurrent programs.
• Experienced in tracking daily production progress, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to prevent delays.
• Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to maintain accurate, up‑to‑date project deliverables.
• Strong ability to respond quickly to issues and communicate effectively with production and warehouse teams.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary range: $70,000-$100,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefits package, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.