Production Planner

About the Role

Aircraft Research Association (ARA) Ltd is a unique engineering SME. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing and numerous associated technologies based around our transonic wind tunnel at our site in Bedford.

We are now recruiting a Production Planning Engineer to join our Design & Manufacture department, to schedule the manufacture of the model planes and various parts that are tested in the wind tunnel. The position requires a proactive, detail-driven person familiar with manufacture scheduling. The successful candidate will need to be on-site 5 days a week in Bedford.

This role bridges design, project delivery, and manufacturing, ensuring efficient transition from bid phase through to production.

You will take ownership of production planning, D4M input, subcontract management, and manufacturing readiness to ensure projects are delivered on time, to cost, and to quality requirements.

• Own and populate the D&M pricing document during bid phase, ensuring full stakeholder input
• Contribute to D&M project schedules, including identification of subcontract requirements
• Provide formal Design for Manufacture (D4M) input and secure design sign-off
• Determine material requirements, check stock, and order billets
• Create and control route cards, defining method of manufacture, timings, and inspection requirements
• Ensure adherence to route cards within the Model Manufacture Centre (MMC)
• Manage subcontract RFQs, quotation reviews, and delivery performance
• Participate in meetings and monitor part progress
• Support Project Launch, PDR, CDR, MRR, and Lessons Learned reviews

• ONC /HNC or equivalent experience in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Production Engineering
• Experience in a project-led manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production methods and route card creation
• Confident communicator with strong organisational skills

• A precision-focused, specialist manufacturing environment, with extensive plans for modernisation in the fabrication of the building, tools and equipment
• Opportunities to work on technically challenging and rewarding projects
• Ongoing training and development
• Supportive and collaborative team culture

This is an opportunity to play a visible, accountable role within a fully integrated Design & Manufacture function.

If you think you have the right skill set for this position, apply today by clicking the link.

Please note that we operate a preferred supplier list for recruitment agencies. We are not seeking additional agency support for this vacancy and kindly ask that speculative approaches are not made.

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency, British passport holder only.

Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.