Senior Capacity Planner — Optics Operations, Hybrid

Cisco • Allentown, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Optics Operations team powers the next generation of global connectivity by bridging high-velocity product demand with world-class manufacturing execution. As a cornerstone of our global supply chain and high-speed infrastructure, we ensure cutting-edge optical technologies are delivered reliably, efficiently, and at scale to data centers worldwide. We are a collaborative, data-driven group of engineers, planners, and analysts who thrive on solving complex operational puzzles in an agile and supportive environment. What makes our team exciting is our focus on innovation—we actively integrate advanced AI, predictive modeling, and intelligent automation to redefine manufacturing planning excellence. As a Capacity Planner Analyst, you will play a critical role in scaling our manufacturing operations by aligning facility throughput with business demand. You will use data modeling, predictive analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize equipment utilization, resolve production bottlenecks, and ensure operational excellence across our optics facilities.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or supply chain analysis, including a minimum of 4+ years directly focused on capacity planning, production scheduling, or equipment utilization modeling.
• Proven experience developing equipment capacity models and executing what-if scenario analyses to evaluate machine constraints, cycle times, throughput tradeoffs, and line balancing.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for quantitative modeling, multi-variable scenario analysis, dynamic arrays/XLOOKUP, Power Query, and complex data modeling.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) (such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) to extract, analyze, and manage production and scheduling data.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean methodology, and throughput metrics.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification such as CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional).
• Experience utilizing data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to track operational performance.
• Prior experience in a high-volume, multi-shift manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of SQL or other database management tools for data extraction and manipulation.
• Proven track record of leading process improvement projects that resulted in measurable increases in production output.
• Familiarity with optical transceiver manufacturing, semiconductor packaging, cleanroom environments, or specialized test/burn-in chamber capacity dynamics
• Experience or strong interest in utilizing Generative AI tools, intelligent automation, or predictive analytics to enhance scenario planning and automate operational reporting

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex production schedules to determine capacity requirements and identify potential gaps between demand and supply.
• Monitor equipment utilization rates and conduct performance evaluations to recommend optimization strategies for production lines.
• Collaborate with production managers and supply chain teams to align master production schedules with real-time operational capacity.
• Perform root-cause analysis on production bottlenecks and provide actionable recommendations to improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Develop and maintain capacity models that account for maintenance schedules, shift patterns, and demand fluctuations.
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards for leadership detailing capacity utilization, equipment performance, and resource efficiency.
• Participate in cross-functional planning meetings to validate the feasibility of new production initiatives and product launches.
• Partner with Module Planners and Material Planners to integrate equipment capacity models with Clear-to-Build (CTB) material availability, identifying whether factory throughput is machine-constrained or supply-gated.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision insurance
• a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
• paid parental leave
• short and long-term disability coverage
• basic life insurance
• paid time away
• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
• 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (non-exempt)
• flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
• annual bonuses
• performance-based incentive pay
• grants of Cisco restricted stock units

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed