Job Description
Job Description
SUMMARY
The Senior Production Planner is a key strategic and operational role responsible for developing, optimizing, and overseeing complex production schedules to meet customer demands and internal objectives. This individual will lead planning initiatives, resolve cross-functional conflicts, and serve as a critical liaison between Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management. The ideal candidate brings deep experience with ERP / MRP systems, production planning, and materials management, along with a proactive mindset and leadership capabilities.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Medical, Dental, VisionCompany Paid Life Insurance401(k) Retirement Savings PlanPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development and continuous optimization of detailed, multi-department production schedules based on forecasts, demand changes, and capacity constraintsCollaborate with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure alignment of materials, manpower, and workflow across the supply chainOversee planning for long-lead items and complex BOM structures in coordination with Project Managers and ProcurementMaintain and improve MRP / ERP data integrity, including lead times, safety stock, routing, and production order detailsIdentify scheduling conflicts, bottlenecks, and supply chain risks; propose and execute solutions to maintain on-time deliveryProvide regular updates to stakeholders, including schedule performance metrics, material readiness reports, and recovery plansSupport new product introductions (NPI) and engineering change implementation through proactive schedule and material readiness planningAnalyze production trends, capacity utilization, and inventory levels to support strategic planning and resource decisionsMentor junior planners and serve as a knowledge resource for planning tools, methodologies, and systemsDrive cross-functional process improvements in planning, material flow, and scheduling systems to reduce lead times and improve responsivenessParticipate in audits, customer readiness reviews, and internal improvement initiativesEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
5+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or operations in a manufacturing or engineering-driven environmentExpertise in ERP / MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar); ability to interpret and manipulate BOMs, routings, and work ordersStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials planning, and inventory management principlesAbility to manage multiple, complex schedules with a high degree of accuracy and agilityProven skills in root cause analysis, issue resolution, and performance trackingProficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and project planning tools (MS Project or equivalent)Strong communication skills—both verbal and written—with the ability to interact across all levels of the organizationHighly organized with excellent prioritization and problem-solving abilitiesMust be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) in compliance with export control regulationsPREFFERD QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in aerospace, composites, defense, or regulated manufacturing industriesAPICS / CPIM or PMP certificationFamiliarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma principlesExperience leading cross-functional teams or mentoring other plannersITAR REQUIREMENTS :
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS : No travel required for this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Frequent sitting, standing, and walking in a manufacturing and office environmentAbility to lift up to 35 lbs occasionallyExtended computer use and occasional overtime or weekend work to support key milestonesEQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.