Production Planner / Scheduler / Analyst

Waukegan, Illinois, United States

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This position requires onsite presence daily at our Waukegan, IL office.

About the Position

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly TelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) is a global leader in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication, and flight safety systems. The company employs over 300 employees and has been recognized six times as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For.

We are seeking an experienced Production Planner / Scheduler / Analyst to manage production schedules for complex assemblies, many of which involve long lead-time components and multi-level bills of material. In this role, you will develop and maintain production schedules, monitor material availability, coordinate with procurement and production teams, and use data analysis to proactively identify and resolve scheduling risks. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in ERP systems, thinks several steps ahead on constrained materials, and can balance competing priorities across complex build schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and adjust production schedules for complex, multi-level assemblies based on customer demand, capacity, and material availability.
• Monitor and manage schedules around long lead-time parts, proactively flagging risks to on-time delivery.
• Analyze material requirements (MRP) and coordinate with purchasing/procurement to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials.
• Build and maintain accurate bills of material (BOMs), routings, and work orders within the ERP system.
• Run and interpret MRP/capacity planning reports; adjust schedules based on shifting priorities, engineering changes, or supply disruptions.
• Collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and procurement teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and material shortages.
• Track work order status and production progress; report on schedule adherence, backlog, and key performance metrics.
• Identify bottlenecks and constraints in the production schedule and recommend corrective actions.
• Support sales and operations planning (S&OP) by providing capacity and lead-time analysis.
• Maintain data integrity within the ERP system, including item master data, lead times, and BOM accuracy.
• Generate reports and dashboards to communicate schedule status, risks, and performance to leadership.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and inventory/material flow.
• Assist in developing and refining planning processes, tools, and best practices.

Requirements

Required:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or materials analysis, ideally in an aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ERP system mastery (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, or similar) - must be highly proficient in MRP, BOM management, and work order processing.
• Strong experience managing schedules involving long lead-time and constrained materials.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis); experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make schedule-driving decisions.
• Experience working in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 certified environment strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and material flow for complex assemblies.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills; able to clearly convey schedule risks and priorities across departments.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $75,000 - $90,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• Health Benefits: Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity.
• Retirement Benefits: 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program.
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth: Tuition Reimbursement Program.

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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