Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time; Exempt
Reports to: Operations Manager
About Sun Test Systems
Sun Test Systems, Inc. is a defense-focused manufacturing company dedicated to delivering reliable, high-quality test equipment and support solutions to our customers. Our work directly contributes to the readiness, sustainment, and operational effectiveness of the U.S. military and other government customers. At STS, we believe exceptional products begin with exceptional people, disciplined processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellenceand we are looking for talented professionals who want to make a meaningful impact.
Position Summary
The Production Planner plays a critical role in translating customer commitments and production requirements into an executable manufacturing plan. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and monitoring production schedules to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contract requirements, product specifications, quality standards, and delivery commitments. The ideal candidate is an organized, analytical, and proactive problem-solver who enjoys working across departments, identifying constraints, and turning complex requirements into clear, achievable production plans. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on production performance while helping STS strengthen its planning, scheduling, and manufacturing capabilities.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Prepares production schedules for business unit or organization
- Draws up master schedule to establish sequence and lead time of each operation to meet completion dates according to sales forecasts or customer order
- Translates and arranges work orders into a sequential work schedule
- Analyzes and examines production specifications and capacity data, and performs mathematical calculations to determine production processes, tools, and human resource requirements
- Plans and schedules workflow for each department and operation according to previously established production sequences and lead times
- Plans sequence of operations
- Confers with department supervisors to determine status of assigned tasks and projects
- Expedite operations that delay schedules and alter schedules to meet unforeseen conditions
- Prepare production reports
- May prepare lists and purchase orders to obtain required materials, tools, and equipment.
- Review contract specifications, drawings, sales orders, and other project documents to understand requirements
- Schedules and coordinates work with appropriate departments staff so that tasks and projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner
- Identifies, acquires, and ensures the availability of materials and supplies
- Drafts, develops, and implements cost-effective manufacturing methods and procedures to ensure that production is within applicable standards
- Coordinates hardware testing with quality assurance staff
- Prepares workforce projections and budget estimates based on a summary of labor hours and material costs for each job
- Identify requirements for packaging and shipping
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints to draft clear and detailed manufacturing procedures
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
- Understanding of Lean Six Sigma Principals a plus
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent technical or trade-school education may be considered.
- At least five (5) years of experience in production planning, manufacturing, assembly, operations, or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting defense, aerospace, electronics, or other complex manufacturing environments is desirable.
- Experience working with work orders, bills of material, production schedules, or ERP/MRP systems is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* The above statements reflect general details necessary for the performance of the job and are not to be considered an all-inclusive list. Sun Test Systems, Inc. is a federal contractor and EEOC/Title VII/ADA compliant employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
