Planner - Plant Logistics (Aerospace)

Job Overview

The Planner - Plant Logistics develops and maintains feasible production plans that support customer delivery, inventory goals, and efficient manufacturing operations in an aerospace environment. This role partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, Customer Service, and Logistics to ensure material, capacity, tooling, documentation, and quality requirements are aligned before production release. The ideal candidate will thrive in a high-mix, low-volume environment with long lead times, multiple operation sequences, outside processing, and changing customer priorities.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules based on customer demand, backlog, material availability, manufacturing capacity, lead times, and operational priorities.
• Translate master production requirements into executable shop-floor plans and ensure production orders are released only when materials, capacity, tooling, drawings, specifications, and required documentation are available.
• Review and act on MRP outputs including recommendations, exception messages, planned orders, production orders, and material availability to keep plans accurate and actionable.
• Monitor production orders end-to-end through machining, heat treatment, coating, inspection, outside processing, assembly, testing, and final release.
• Identify and escalate risks early such as schedule delays, material shortages, capacity constraints, quality holds, engineering issues, and execution problems before they impact customer deliveries.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Suppliers, and Engineering to align priorities, resolve shortages, manage nonconformances, support outside processing, and handle revision-controlled documentation.
• Maintain visibility of production status and recovery actions including aging work orders, past-due operations, bottlenecks, backlog, and recovery plans for overdue customer requirements.
• Support delivery performance and backlog reduction by analyzing customer demand changes, production capacity, inventory commitments, and planned versus actual performance to improve on-time delivery.
• Maintain planning integrity and master data such as lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, planning strategies, and other MRP-related settings, while supporting inventory reduction and preventing excess production or premature releases.
• Participate in daily and strategic planning forums such as production meetings, shortage reviews, backlog reviews, and S&OP activities, while providing accurate status updates, delivery projections, and continuous improvement support.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of three years of experience in production planning, material planning, manufacturing scheduling, or a related plant-based supply chain role
• Strong understanding of MRP, production orders, bills of material, routings, lead times, capacity constraints, and inventory management principles
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex production scenarios and translate demand requirements into realistic, executable production plans
• Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions
• Proven ability to identify risks early, communicate unfavorable information clearly, and drive corrective actions through to closure
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; SAP experience is preferred
• Professional working proficiency in English
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without employment visa or other sponsorship 
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee

Our Offering

At Schaeffler, our success is driven by our employees. We value what you bring to our business, which is why we are committed to providing you with a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that gives you and your family the care you need to lead healthy, productive lives. This includes amongst others the following: 

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Employees receive access to a range of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind. 
• Generous retirement savings options: The company provides competitive 401(k) matching contributions (up to 6%), empowering employees to build a secure financial future. 
• Professional development opportunities: The company invests in its employees' growth by offering skill development workshops, and ongoing learning and development programs. Through our Schaeffler Academy you will have access to a state-of-the-art and comprehensive learning and training offering.
• Wellness initiatives: Employees have access to wellness programs and resources aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.  

See all of our benefits at: Schaeffler Benefits