Production Planning Engineer

About the Role

The Production Planning Engineer is a dual-function role responsible for both the strategic scheduling of manufacturing operations and the hands-on engineering of production processes. This individual ensures that production plans are executable, efficient, and aligned with customer demand — while also driving continuous process improvement on the shop floor.

The role serves as a critical bridge between Sales/Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing, making it a high-impact position for candidates who thrive at the intersection of planning, data, and process engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning
  • Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) using ERP/MRP systems
  • Translate customer orders and demand forecasts into detailed work order releases
  • Coordinate material availability with Procurement to prevent line stoppages
  • Monitor work-in-process (WIP) and adjust schedules to meet on-time delivery (OTD) targets
  • Communicate schedule changes and production priorities to department supervisors
  • Track and report key production KPIs: schedule adherence, throughput, cycle time, and capacity utilization
  • Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes
• Production Engineering
  • Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing routings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and work instructions
  • Identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve quality using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
  • Provide engineering support for new product introductions (NPI) and engineering change orders (ECOs)
  • Conduct time studies and capacity analysis to validate routing standards
  • Support root cause analysis (RCA) for production defects, scrap, and rework
  • Collaborate with Quality on PFMEA, control plans, and corrective actions
  • Evaluate and specify tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment as needed

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 3–5 years of experience in a production planning and/or manufacturing engineering role
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
  • Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs
• Preferred
  • Experience in power electronics, variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, or renewable energy systems manufacturing
  • APICS CPIM certification or active progress toward certification
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
  • Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD tools
  • Familiarity with IPC standards or UL/CE compliance in an electromechanical manufacturing environment
• Core Competencies
  • Analytical Problem-Solving — Data-driven approach to diagnosing and resolving production challenges
  • Cross-Functional Communication — Comfortable interfacing with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, and shop floor teams
  • Attention to Detail — Able to manage competing priorities without sacrificing accuracy
  • Technical Proficiency — Skilled in Excel, ERP reporting tools, and manufacturing documentation
  • Self-Direction — Thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix / low-volume manufacturing environment
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work on the production floor in a manufacturing environment
  • Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
  • Must comply with all applicable safety and PPE requirements