This position requires onsite presence daily at our Waukegan, IL office.SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Production Planner / Scheduler / Analyst to manage production schedules for complex assemblies, many of which involve long lead-time components and multi-level bills of material. In this role, you will develop and maintain production schedules, monitor material availability, coordinate with procurement and production teams, and use data analysis to proactively identify and resolve scheduling risks. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in ERP systems, thinks several steps ahead on constrained materials, and can balance competing priorities across complex build schedules.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe essential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties as assigned.
- Develop, maintain, and adjust production schedules for complex, multi-level assemblies based on customer demand, capacity, and material availability.
- Monitor and manage schedules around **long lead-time parts**, proactively flagging risks to on-time delivery
- Analyze material requirements (MRP) and coordinate with purchasing/procurement to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials
- Build and maintain accurate **bills of material (BOMs)**, routings, and work orders within the ERP system
- Run and interpret MRP/capacity planning reports; adjust schedules based on shifting priorities, engineering changes, or supply disruptions
- Collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and procurement teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and material shortages
- Track work order status and production progress; report on schedule adherence, backlog, and key performance metrics
- Identify bottlenecks and constraints in the production schedule and recommend corrective actions
- Support sales and operations planning (S&OP) by providing capacity and lead-time analysis
- Maintain data integrity within the ERP system, including item master data, lead times, and BOM accuracy
- Generate reports and dashboards to communicate schedule status, risks, and performance to leadership
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and inventory/material flow
- Assist in developing and refining planning processes, tools, and best practices
QualificationsTo 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:- Associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
- 3+ years of experience** in production planning, scheduling, or materials analysis, ideally in an aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated **ERP system mastery** (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, or similar) - must be highly proficient in MRP, BOM management, and work order processing
- Strong experience managing schedules involving **long lead-time and constrained materials**
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis); experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make schedule-driving decisions
- Experience working in an **AS9100 / ISO 9001** certified environment strongly preferred
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and material flow for complex assemblies
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills; able to clearly convey schedule risks and priorities across departments
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) a plus
Compensation & Benefits:- Base salary: $75,000 - $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