Planning Engineer

Job Summary The Planning Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing production plans and schedules to support Carlton Forge’s manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales to ensure efficient use of resources, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement of production processes within a heavy manufacturing/forging environment.

Essential Functions Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage detailed production plans and schedules to support forging, machining, heat treatment, and finishing operations.
• Balance customer demand, capacity constraints, labor availability, tooling, and material flow.
• Adjust schedules in response to engineering changes, material delays, equipment downtime, or evolving customer priorities.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Master Production Scheduling (MPS) activities.

Capacity & Resource Planning

• Analyze equipment and labor capacity to identify constraints and recommend solutions.
• Support long-range planning and capital planning by providing capacity and throughput analysis.
• Optimize work center loading to maximize efficiency and minimize bottlenecks.

Process & Data Analysis

• Maintain accurate routings, lead times, and production parameters within ERP/MRP systems.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain planning metrics such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, and capacity utilization.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on new product introductions, process changes, and routing updates.
• Work closely with Procurement and Supply Chain to align material availability with production schedules.
• Communicate clearly with Operations leadership regarding schedule risks, priorities, and mitigation plans.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives related to planning and flow.
• Recommend and implement planning process improvements to reduce lead times, WIP, and operational variability.
• Assist in standardizing planning practices across departments or facilities, as applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably forging, machining, heat treatment, or metal forming.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

ITAR Requirements Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant 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

EEO We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, handicap, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws. Absent undue hardship, Carlton Forge Works will provide reasonable accommodation for the physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee