Materials Planner

Material Planner Job Description The Production Planner builds and maintains production schedules for complex aerospace programs, working cross-functionally to ensure material availability and on-time delivery. This role monitors capacity and performance metrics, drives process and workflow improvements, and helps optimize planning and inventory efficiency. As a newly created position, it offers strong ownership and the opportunity to establish structure and support high-mix, low-volume manufacturing execution. Responsibilities Develop, maintain, and optimize production and operational schedules for aerospace engineering programs and manufacturing activities. Coordinate closely with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure schedule adherence and material availability. Monitor capacity planning, labor utilization, tooling availability, and production constraints to maintain realistic and achievable schedules. Analyze operational data and key performance indicators to identify schedule risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement. Support program execution by tracking milestones, deliverables, and production readiness activities across multiple programs. Prepare, update, and maintain planning documentation, reports, and dashboards for leadership review and decision-making. Participate in cross-functional coordination efforts to align production plans with engineering changes, procurement timelines, and customer requirements. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to mitigate delays, resolve operational issues, and maintain continuity of supply. Ensure planning activities comply with industry standards, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to operational efficiency, inventory management, and workflow optimization within the production planning function. Assist in implementing ERP/MRP system updates, including the transition to SAP, and contribute to the design and improvement of planning processes. Work primarily on a large, complex aerospace program while also providing planning support for 2-3 smaller, self-sustaining programs. Act as the primary planning owner for a major government-related program, taking the lead on all scheduling and planning activities. Establish and refine planning processes in an environment with limited existing structure, taking initiative to create order and best practices. Use Microsoft Excel extensively to manage and track schedules, materials, and capacity while ERP systems are being fully integrated. Interpret engineering drawings, multi-level bills of materials, and production documentation to create accurate and executable production plans. Coordinate production scheduling and material planning for made-to-order, high mix-low volume, and highly technical aerospace products. Support production control activities by aligning work orders, material availability, and capacity with program timelines. Engage regularly with engineering, purchasing, and production teams to keep programs on track and ensure clear communication of priorities. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field 5+ years in production/operations planning or program coordination Aerospace/Defense experience working with technical products High mix, low-volume manufacturing experience ERP experience (SAP preferred) + advanced Excel skills Strong understanding of BOMs, production scheduling, and supply chain coordination Knowledge of capacity planning, manufacturing operations, and production control Ability to read engineering drawings and production documentation Strong analytical skills with KPI tracking and process improvement focus Effective cross-functional communication in fast-paced, evolving environments Additional Skills & Qualifications Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement Experience supporting aerospace or large government programs ERP implementation experience, including SAP transitions Comfortable owning and planning for a major program and leading efforts independently Experience building or improving planning processes in low-structure environments Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously Strong attention to detail with complex, multi-level BOMs Proactive problem solver who anticipates constraints and drives solutions Work Environment ITAR-regulated aerospace environment supporting design-to-production of aircraft systems, drones, and advanced technologies. 100% onsite, Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Clemente, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $44.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in San Clemente,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.