Production Planning Engineer Full Time

Job Overview:

The Production Planning Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to drive operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure timely production. This role requires a hands-on approach to process analysis, production/capacity planning, and cross-functional collaboration with design engineering, CI engineers, quality, and supply chain teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, a keen eye for detail, and experience in high-volume production environments. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in cycle time, productivity, cost reduction, throughput, and product quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling:

• Develop, maintain, and adjust short- and long-term production schedules based on order forecasts, inventory levels, and labor availability.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain to ensure materials are available for production, aligning schedules to prevent disruptions.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and floor teams to adjust schedules dynamically in response to unplanned events, equipment downtime, or staffing shortages.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and bottleneck assessments to identify areas for efficiency gains and waste reduction.
• Apply Lean principles (6S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects, developing actionable recommendations and implementing process changes to achieve measurable results.
• Perform process capability analysis.

Capacity Planning & Resource Allocation:

• Evaluate plant capacity and equipment utilization regularly to ensure the ability to meet production demands without overextending resources.
• Recommend adjustments to staffing levels, shift configurations, and machine usage to optimize throughput and balance workload.
• Develop and maintain capacity models to anticipate production constraints, both for short-term fluctuations and long-term growth.

Inventory & Material Management:

• Work with inventory control and materials teams to develop inventory policies, reorder points, and safety stock levels based on demand patterns and lead times.
• Monitor and report on inventory levels, identifying excess stock or shortages, and implementing strategies to improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs.
• Support material planning efforts by coordinating Kanban or Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) initiatives where applicable.

Cost Analysis & Efficiency Tracking:

• Conduct detailed cost analyses for production processes, considering material, labor, equipment, and overhead costs.
• Develop and implement cost-saving strategies through process redesign, waste reduction, and improved resource allocation.
• Track performance metrics (KPIs) such as cycle time, yield, and defect rates, using data to drive continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as a liaison between production, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve issues, improve product flow, and support new product introductions.
• Actively participate in project teams, contributing technical insights and feasibility assessments for design changes, product modifications, or equipment upgrades.
• Lead regular meetings to review production progress, address challenges, and align cross-functional priorities.

Technical Documentation & Standardization:

• Create and maintain accurate technical documents, including process maps, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to ensure consistent and efficient manufacturing practices.
• Develop daily standard work routines and performance tracking for shop floor staff to support process consistency and operational excellence.
• Ensure all technical documentation aligns with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering to integrate design specifications, improvements, and updates into technical documentation, ensuring manufacturing processes reflect the latest engineering developments.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Work closely with the Quality team to address quality issues promptly, using root cause analysis (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys) to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, OSHA), conduct safety audits and supporting corrective actions where needed.
• Drive process improvements focused on defect reduction, enhanced quality control, and adherence to quality standards.

Training & Development:

• Train production staff on new or revised processes, ensuring they understand operational changes and safety procedures.
• Develop training materials and conduct hands-on workshops to upskill teams in Lean principles, quality standards, and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree or relevant certification is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing planning, production engineering, or a similar role within a low mix high-volume manufacturing environment. Experience in [specific industry, e.g., automotive, aerospace, fabrication] is preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) for production planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI) and ability to create and interpret process flow diagrams and statistical charts.
• Familiarity with CAD software and other design tools is a plus.
• Experience with development of Bills of Material and Method of Manufacturing/Routings.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement: Proven knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to present findings and recommendations to leadership and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action planning.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with frequent visits to the production floor.

Pay: $90,000.00-$125,000.00 per annum

Tagged as: erp, SAP, technology