Production Planning Engineer

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…