Inventory & WIP Analyst

Description

Ascentec Engineering is hiring!
Inventory & WIP Analyst role improving inventory accuracy and optimizing inventory levels in a high-mix, high-precision CNC machine shop environment. 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 is measured by improved inventory record accuracy, reduced WIP aging, fewer shortages/expedites, and reduced excess/obsolete inventory.

Position is onsite at our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters; not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

• 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).
• Plan and execute cycle counts (ABC methodology), reconcile variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Analyze production flow and WIP queues; identify bottlenecks and drivers of WIP aging; recommend practical changes to reduce dwell time and improve throughput.
• Develop and maintain reports/dashboards (Excel and/or BI tools) and present actionable insights to operations and leadership.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 (aluminum, steel, titanium, specialty alloys), tooling, and consumables.
• Experience supporting regulated industries (aerospace, medical, defense) and material traceability/cert environments.

• High attention to detail; disciplined about data integrity and process adherence.
• Analytical thinking: translates data into practical…