The Build Planner works closely with the Procurement Specialist: the Planner sets demand schedules and submits purchase requisitions, and Procurement handles sourcing, suppliers, and purchase orders. The role also collaborates closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality to schedule prototype builds, carry out engineering changes, and maintain strict inventory accuracy.
Essential Functions:
Build Scheduling
- Convert customer demand, sales forecasts, and target buffer stock into weekly and monthly production schedules.
- In partnership with Production Leads and the Production Program Manager, sequence builds against manufacturing capacity, staffing, and component supply.
- Communicate schedule changes, risks, and target delivery dates to Production, Sales, and Operations leadership.
Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Run and review MRP on a regular schedule to identify material constraints and deficits for upcoming production cycles.
- Submit purchase requisitions to the Procurement Specialist with part numbers, quantities, and need-by dates.
- Identify long-lead or late parts that put builds at risk and set expediting priorities.
- Lead a recurring shortage review with Procurement to agree on priorities and workarounds.
Work Orders and Kitting
- Working with Production Leads and the Production Program Manager, create, release, track, and close work orders in the ERP system.
- Oversee component staging and kitting so builds start on time with every bill-of-materials part available.
- Track build status on the production floor and resolve operational issues that delay builds.
Inventory Management
- Set min/max levels, reorder points, and safety stock using vendor lead times and order minimums provided by Procurement.
- Drive regular cycle counts and investigate and resolve inventory variances.
- Identify excess and slow-moving stock and work with Procurement on vendor returns, order cancellations, or disposal.
Engineering Changes and New Product Introduction
- Assess the impact of engineering change orders (ECOs) on open work orders, inventory, and build schedules.
- Establish cut-in schedules for engineering changes and ensure coordination with Production and Procurement.
- Coordinate prototype and pilot production runs with Engineering.
- Verify that manufacturing use the correct revision-controlled components that meet Blue UAS and NDAA requirements.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate bills of materials, routings, and planning data in the ERP system.
- Report on key operational performance metrics, schedule adherence, part shortages, inventory levels, and work order status.
- Help improve material planning procedures and standard operational workflows.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 2 years of production scheduling, material planning, or production control experience in a manufacturing setting.
- Experience running MRP and administering work orders in an ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Epicor).
- Working knowledge of bills of materials, routings, supplier lead times, and inventory control.
- Strong spreadsheet skills (lookups, pivot tables) and experience with Google Workspace.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with federal procurement and compliance requirements, including Blue UAS, NDAA Section 848, ITAR/EAR, or DFARS.
- Experience purchasing electronic hardware, printed circuit board assemblies, custom wiring, or machined parts.
- Knowledge of major component distributors and experience managing allocation and long lead times.
- Experience working under ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems.
- Supply chain certification (such as CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP), or working toward one.
- Background in defense, aerospace, autonomous systems, robotics, or complex hardware manufacturing.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to sit or stand at a desk and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
- Ability to walk the production floor, stockroom, and receiving areas to check parts and orders.
Benefits:
- Overtime and bonus opportunities
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person, on-site at company location
ModalAI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state (FEHA), or local laws.