Production Planner - Machine Shop

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

SUMMARY

The Machine Shop - Production Planner ensures that machined components move efficiently through programming, machining, inspection, and delivery to meet program schedules and integration needs. The Machine Shop Planner tracks production flow, manages work-in-progress, and identifies bottlenecks that could impact machining schedules or downstream assembly readiness.

By closely monitoring machine capacity, material availability, and inspection throughput, they help prevent delays and proactively drive solutions to keep production on track. In addition to managing production data and reporting, they collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to optimize workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and improve throughput.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze historical data, demand trends, and project schedules to forecast material requirements across multiple commodity groups (e.g., propulsion systems, avionics, structures).
• Collaborate with Production Planners, Program Management, and Engineering to align forecasts with upcoming builds and production schedules.
• Develop and manage Material Requirements Plans (MRP) that integrate the needs of all commodity groups, ensuring accurate lead times and availability.
• Coordinate with procurement and supplier teams to manage dependencies, reduce lead times, and ensure seamless delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels for different commodities and develop strategies to prevent both shortages and overstock situations.
• Proactively communicate potential risks (e.g., material delays, resource bottlenecks) and opportunities to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to adjust forecasts for new product introductions, prototyping, and test builds.
• Align efforts with lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and optimize material flow.
• Track and analyze performance metrics (e.g., forecast accuracy, inventory turnover) and continuously refine planning processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Proficiency with MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Odoo) and tools such as Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, and Bitbucket.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in planning, scheduling, or production control within high-mix, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating the material needs of a machine shop.
• Expertise in problem-solving and decision-making within dynamic environments.
• Proficient with data analytics - capable of using data to drive conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Exceptional time management and prioritization skills - able to focus on critical tasks and avoid distractions.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; must be a collaborative team player with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work under pressure in high-stakes environments with tight deadlines.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including senior leadership, engineers, technicians, and planners.

Desired

• Experience with SQL, Python, or similar database technologies for advanced data analysis.
• Familiarity with ITAR compliance and Aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Prior experience in R&D environments supporting prototyping, engineering development, or testing.
• APICS/ASCM certification is a plus.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet Insurance, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status