Inventory & WIP Analyst

Ascentec Engineering is hiring!

We are seeking a detail-oriented, data-driven Inventory & WIP Analyst to improve inventory accuracy and optimize inventory levels in a high-mix, high-precision CNC machine shop environment. This role owns key inventory controls (transactions, cycle counts, discrepancy resolution), analyzes inventory and WIP health (turns, aging, excess/obsolete), and partners cross-functionally to ensure the right material is on-hand and on-order-without tying up cash in unnecessary inventory.

Success in this role is measured by improved inventory record accuracy, reduced WIP aging, fewer shortages/expedites, and reduced excess/obsolete inventory.

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) at our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. It is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities:

• Inventory accuracy ownership:
  Maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP/MRP system for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; ensure timely and correct transactions (receipts, issues, moves, job close, scrap).
• Cycle count program:
  Plan and execute cycle counts (ABC methodology), reconcile variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Discrepancy investigation:
  Research inventory variances and WIP discrepancies (UOM errors, BOM/route issues, transaction timing, scrap reporting, location control, receiving/inspection holds) and drive resolution with responsible teams.
• Inventory health analytics:
  Monitor and report key metrics including inventory turns, aging, shortages/stockouts, WIP aging, and excess/obsolete inventory; recommend actions to improve performance and cash flow.
• On-order / replenishment optimization:
  Partner with Purchasing and Scheduling/Production Control to review open POs and planning signals; recommend expedites, de-expedites, cancellations, or reschedules based on demand, capacity, and lead times.
• Planning parameter maintenance:
  Support continuous improvement of min/max, reorder points, safety stock, lead times, lot sizes/EOQ, and other planning settings to balance service levels and inventory investment.
• WIP reduction:
  Analyze production flow and WIP queues; identify bottlenecks and drivers of WIP aging; recommend practical changes to reduce dwell time and improve throughput.
• Dashboards and communication:
  Develop and maintain reports/dashboards (Excel and/or BI tools) and present actionable insights to operations and leadership.

Supporting Responsibilities:

• Support physical inventory and audit activities; ensure compliance with applicable quality systems (ISO/AS9100 if applicable).
• Collaborate with Engineering/Manufacturing to improve BOM/route accuracy and material usage standards that impact inventory and WIP.
• Track slow-moving inventory and recommend disposition strategies (return to supplier, rework/repurpose, scrap, or sale).
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) related to material flow and inventory control.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in inventory analysis, materials planning, production control, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment (job shop/discrete manufacturing strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of inventory control concepts: cycle counting, safety stock, reorder points/min-max, lead times, excess/obsolete management.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data cleanup/analysis) and comfort working with large datasets.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, Net Suite, JobBOSS, etc.).
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a production-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a CNC machine shop, job shop, or high-mix precision manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Lean / continuous improvement tools;
  Six Sigma exposure a plus.
• Understanding of cost accounting and how inventory impacts financial performance (valuation, reserves, carrying cost).
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP).
• Experience with metal materials…