Production Planner I-III

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Production Planner is responsible for effective management and coordination of the planning function for assigned customers and product. Works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Material/Inventory Control, and Buyers to ensure customer delivery and quality requirements are achieved. Keeps production flowing smoothly with the needed materials.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Production Planners. Each level of Production Planner has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Produces production schedules for product lines, initiates work orders, and establishes priorities for specific customer orders.
• Revises schedule daily according to work order specifications, established priorities, and availability or capability of labor, parts, materials, machines, and equipment.
• Understands manufacturing capabilities and capacities within production.
• Responsible for assigned product work orders, cradle to grave.
• Understands system planning parameters per established processes. (Scheduling parameters defined within the ERP system.)
• Serves as an effective conduit for information sharing among all of the functional segments of the organization for capacity requirements and material needs.
• Will compile, store, and retrieve production data, using computer.
• Follows safety precautions.
• Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean.
• Communicates professionally and effectively, both written and verbal.
• Manage inventories and ensure that material resources are consistent with production schedules.
• Maintain assigned inventory schedules, coordinating with internal departments.

Production Planner I

• Works under high degree of supervision.
• Produces production schedules for simple product lines, initiates work orders, and establishes priorities for specific customer orders.
• Utilizes system reports and other sources to meet production requirements and minimize scheduling impacts.
• Notifies appropriate personnel when work orders or materials are past scheduled receipt date.
• Determine required materials and coordinate with purchasing regularly to ensure they can purchase to schedule.
• Manage Planning Horizons and Lead Time Fences in ERP system for all assigned products.
• Coordinates with Manufacturing and Inventory Control to ensure adequate supply of assigned materials for production.
• Manages schedules of materials, taking into account shelf-life requirements, usage, and demand.
• Updates production tracking reports as required.

Production Planner II

• Works under limited supervision.
• Utilizes system reports, other inputs including experience and judgment to meet production requirements and maximize production on time performance.
• Reviews new contracts and inputs sales lines for product deliveries.
• Tracks new product and ensures BOMs, Routings, and Packaging requirements have been defined by Engineering upon release of Sales orders in ERP System.
• Reviews materials and ensures with buyers that all material will be delivered to meet the production schedule.
• Understand, develop, and communicate with Master Scheduler capacity plans for any work centers that do not meet the due dates within the ERP system.
• Coordinates manufacturing capabilities and capacities with production
• Adjust promise ship and delivery dates to meet or exceed contract dates.
• Communicate any issues that may effect on time performance to customer deliveries.
• Maintains system planning parameters per established processes, including recommending improvements for process enhancement. (Scheduling parameters defined within the ERP system.)
• Serves as an effective conduit for information sharing among all of the functional segments of the organization for capacity requirements and material needs.
• Coordinates scheduling activities with subordinate staff.
• Participates in the RFQ and contract review process, establishing and committing a ship date that is acceptable to both KUAS and the customer.
• Manages safety stock and make recommendations for changes based on usage, demand, shelf life or other concerns.

Production Planner III

• Works under minimal supervision.
• Works with other planners on issues in Material Control and ERP Systems
• Understand, develop, and communicate with Master Scheduler capacity plans for all work centers within the ERP system.
• Monitors system planning parameters per established processes, including recommending improvements for process enhancement. (Scheduling parameters defined within the ERP system.)
• Develop and implement process improvements.
• Reports measurements of production performance.
• Utilizes experience and judgment to solve complex problems.
• Implement and Monitor ECNis
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• May give guidance and direction to others in department.

#LI-Onsite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

Each successive level of Production Planner builds on the identified typical qualifications listed for the previous level(s) Production Planner.

Production Planner I

• 2 years directly related experience, preferably in an aerospace or composites mfg environment.
• Ability to solve problems with assistance, resulting from the complex nature of items produced.
• High degree of integrity; solid judgment and initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interface well with other internal departments.
• Proficiency in automated business planning and control systems, as well as MS Office.

Production Planner II

• 5 years directly related experience, preferably in an aerospace or composites mfg environment. Exposure or limited experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to solve problems resulting from the complex nature of items produced and purchased, with limited assistance.

Production Planner III

• 10 years directly related experience, preferably in an aerospace or composites mfg environment. Exposure or limited experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment preferred.
• Training and experience with ERP/MRP and JIT/LEAN. APICS certification a plus.

Preferred:

• Exposure or limited experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Each successive level of Buyer/Planner builds on the identified typical qualifications listed for the previous level(s) Buyer/Planner.

Production Planner I

• B.S. Degree in related field preferred.i Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Production Planner II

• B.S. Degree in related field preferred. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

Planner/Buyer III

• B.S. Degree in related field preferred. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degreei

Preferred:

• B.S. Degree in related field preferred. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degreei

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May work extended hours or weekends
• Primarily desk work.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• N/A