Job Title: Production Planner - Aerospace ProgramsJob Description
This role develops and maintains detailed production and operational schedules for complex aerospace engineering programs in a high mix, low volume, make-to-order environment. You will coordinate closely with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure material availability, schedule adherence, and production readiness. As the primary planning owner for a large government aerospace program, you will build structure where little currently exists, drive cross-functional alignment, and support an ongoing ERP (SAP) implementation while using advanced Excel-based tools. This position offers the opportunity to lead planning activities end-to-end, influence processes, and contribute directly to the successful execution of technically sophisticated aerospace products.
Responsibilities
Develop, maintain, and optimize production and operational schedules for aerospace engineering programs and manufacturing activities in a high mix, low volume environment.
Coordinate with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure schedule adherence, material availability, and production readiness.
Monitor capacity planning, labor utilization, tooling availability, and production constraints to keep programs on track.
Analyze operational data and key performance indicators to identify schedule risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process and workflow improvement.
Support program execution by tracking milestones, deliverables, and production readiness activities across multiple programs, with primary ownership of a large government aerospace program.
Prepare, maintain, and present planning documentation, reports, and dashboards for leadership review and decision-making.
Participate in cross-functional coordination efforts, serving as the central point of contact for planning and scheduling issues.
Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to mitigate delays, resolve operational issues, and maintain continuity of supply.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, quality requirements, and regulatory guidelines in all planning and scheduling activities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to operational efficiency, inventory management, and workflow optimization.
Assist in implementing ERP/MRP system updates and improvements, including supporting the transition to SAP and bridging gaps with Excel-based tools during implementation.
Interpret engineering drawings, multi-level bills of materials, and production documentation to create accurate and realistic production plans.
Balance and integrate supply chain considerations, including material planning and inventory management, with production scheduling requirements.
Provide planning support to 2-3 additional smaller aerospace programs while maintaining primary focus on the main government program.
Establish and refine planning processes and standards in a flexible environment with limited existing structure, taking ownership of building and stabilizing planning practices.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or a related field.
Approximately 5 years of experience in operations planning, production planning, or program coordination.
Industry experience in Aerospace & Defense, supporting technical aerospace products such as electrical components or systems (beyond basic fasteners or simple composites).
Proven experience in high mix, low volume manufacturing and planning environments.
Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred, but any ERP experience is acceptable).
Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel for planning, analysis, and reporting.
Strong experience working with multi-level bills of materials (BOMs).
Demonstrated mix of supply chain and planning experience, with exposure to multiple facets of the supply chain process rather than solely traditional planning duties.
Strong knowledge of production scheduling principles and best practices.
Strong knowledge of supply chain coordination and supply chain management.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and production control.
Strong knowledge of capacity planning and resource utilization.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and production documentation accurately.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, flexible environment with limited existing processes and structure.
Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills to work closely with engineering, purchasing, production, and other teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting specific aerospace programs or government aerospace contracts.
Familiarity with SAP ERP in a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
Experience in make-to-order, highly technical product environments.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Experience developing and maintaining planning reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for leadership.
Comfort working with a high degree of autonomy as the primary planner for a major program.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements in planning, inventory management, and workflow optimization.
Strong analytical skills to assess schedule risk, identify bottlenecks, and recommend mitigation actions.
Work Environment
This position operates in an ITAR-regulated aerospace manufacturing and engineering environment focused on high-performance, technically complex systems and components. Work is 100% onsite with a 9/80 work schedule, with typical start times between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. The role begins as a long-term temporary assignment of at least six months, with the possibility of extension and potential conversion to a direct role for the right individual. The facility typically ranges from about 60 to 100 employees, with a deliberate cap below approximately 130 to maintain a close-knit, personable culture. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, purchasing, production, and other departments, primarily supporting a large government aerospace program while also assisting a few smaller, largely self-sustaining programs. The environment is highly technical, make-to-order, and characterized by high mix, low volume production. Processes are still evolving, and the organization is in the midst of an ERP implementation to SAP, which means you will rely heavily on manual and Excel-based planning tools in the near term. The culture values flexibility, hands-on problem solving, and collaboration in a setting where you can directly influence planning practices and program success.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Clemente, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $44.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Clemente,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
