Work Planning Engineer

About the role

The Work Planning Engineer bridges complex manufacturing and data science. This role translates complex engineering designs into physical parts while leading the design, implementation, and management of AI-driven Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software to automate production sequencing, optimize sheet metal yield, and balance plant capacity.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze, benchmark, and select third-party AI-driven scheduling software, plugins, and ERP add-ons that match fabrication floor capabilities
• Lead the implementation of chosen AI modules, translating plant-floor constraints (e.g., machine setups, tool availability) into software rules
• Partner with internal IT and external software vendors to securely link the AI scheduling module with existing ERP (Odoo 18), MES, and CAD/CAM nesting databases
• Manage AI-driven scheduling engines to generate optimal shop floor jobs based on machine telemetry and real-time labor constraints
• Monitor automated rescheduling outputs, resolving exceptions or manually overriding the AI engine during major disruptions
• Map production steps across fiber lasers, CNC press brakes, welding stations, and manual assembly lines
• Use predictive analytics to simulate shop floor capacity constraints and proactively smooth machine loads
• Review advanced software nesting options to maximize sheet metal efficiency and coordinate scrap reclamation
• Compile comprehensive production files including flat-pattern DXF files, bending sequences, and Weld Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• Run production cycle-time audits to feed historical data back into the AI system, sharpening scheduling accuracy

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, or a highly technical related field
• 3 to 5+ years of planning inside high-mix, low-volume metal fabrication or assembly plants
• Thorough understanding of data-driven scheduling rules, algorithmic constraints, and predictive machine-learning engines
• Ability to interpret operational dashboards, spot floor data anomalies, and diagnose why the scheduling engine shifted a pipeline
• Fluency with 3D design software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) and industrial nesting programs (e.g., TruTops, Lantek, Radan, CYPCUT)
• Deep comprehension of sheet metal K-factors, grain orientation, bend deductions, and weld distortion
• Comprehensive skill reading advanced mechanical blueprints, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and AWS/ISO welding symbols
• Direct background scheduling industrial lasers, multi-axis press brakes, MIG/TIG welding, and mechanical assemblies
• Hands-on experience with modern ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor, Odoo) alongside Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software