Production Planning Lead
About The Position
RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals. Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer. At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission! The Planning Lead drives schedule integrity and production flow by independently managing complex production schedules, resolving cross-functional constraints, and mentoring the Planning Associate team. Reporting to the Master Scheduler, this role bridges day-to-day scheduling execution with broader master scheduling strategy — protecting on-time delivery, efficient resource use, and clear, proactive communication across production, quality, supply chain, and leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 4+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or production control within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing production schedules and resolving scheduling or material constraints.
- Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems to manage schedules, work orders, and production data.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and Office proficiency, with the ability to build and interpret planning metrics and reports.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills in a fast-paced, multi-priority manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional coordination and escalate issues effectively.
- Prior experience mentoring, training, or informally leading other planning or scheduling staff.
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace or precision CNC machining manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting production scheduling in an AS9100 manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with Global Shop, JobBOSS, or similar ERP/MRP systems.
- Experience supporting or contributing to a Master Production Schedule (MPS) or SIOP process.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Experience coordinating planning activities across multiple sites or shifts.
Responsibilities
- Own and independently manage production schedules across multiple work centers, product lines, or shifts, aligning with customer demand, capacity, and material availability.
- Serve as the primary point of escalation for scheduling conflicts, capacity constraints, and material shortages, driving recovery plans for late or at-risk jobs.
- Partner directly with the Master Scheduler to translate the Master Production Schedule (MPS) into actionable, site-level work order priorities.
- Coordinate daily and weekly production priorities across machining, quality, purchasing, shipping, and engineering to protect schedule integrity.
- Develop, track, and report key planning metrics (on-time delivery, schedule adherence, WIP, capacity utilization) to the Master Scheduler and site leadership.
- Lead onboarding, training, and day-to-day guidance for Planning Associates, reviewing their scheduling decisions and building their capability.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce lead time, improve throughput, and strengthen schedule adherence.
- Ensure production status and scheduling data remain accurate and current within the ERP/MRP system.
- Represent Production Control/Planning in cross-functional meetings, communicating schedule status, risks, and recovery plans clearly to stakeholders.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
- HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
- Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
- Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
