Junior Production Planner

Junior Production Planner – PCB Manufacturing

Department: Production Planning
Reports To: Planning Manager
Job Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: On-site / In Person

SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTION

The Junior Production Planner is responsible for supporting the planning, scheduling, and coordination of manufacturing activities to ensure the timely production and delivery of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This position assists in managing production schedules, monitoring work orders, tracking material availability, and coordinating with various departments to maintain efficient manufacturing operations.

The Junior Production Planner works closely with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, and Customer Service to ensure manufacturing priorities are aligned with customer requirements, production capacity, and delivery commitments.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Production Planning and Scheduling

• Assist in developing, maintaining, and updating daily and weekly production schedules based on customer orders, manufacturing capacity, and delivery requirements.
• Review production work orders to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with customer specifications.
• Monitor production schedules and communicate changes, delays, or potential issues to the Planning Manager and appropriate departments.
• Coordinate with Production Supervisors to ensure manufacturing priorities are communicated and followed.
• Assist in prioritizing urgent orders, expedited jobs, and customer delivery requirements.
• Track production progress through various PCB manufacturing processes to ensure scheduled completion dates are achieved.
• Support production scheduling adjustments based on equipment availability, labor resources, material shortages, and changing customer demands.

Work Order Management

• Generate, review, release, and maintain manufacturing work orders within the company's ERP/MRP system.
• Verify work order information, including quantities, due dates, routing instructions, and manufacturing requirements.
• Monitor open work orders and identify potential delays or discrepancies.
• Assist in maintaining accurate work order statuses and production records.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Production to resolve work order discrepancies or missing information.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation is available and properly maintained throughout the production process.

Material Planning and Coordination

• Assist in monitoring raw material availability to support scheduled PCB production.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Inventory Control to identify material shortages and potential supply issues.
• Review material requirements, including laminates, copper-clad materials, chemicals, and other manufacturing supplies.
• Communicate material shortages or delays that may affect production schedules.
• Assist in tracking incoming materials and coordinating availability with manufacturing requirements.
• Support inventory accuracy and material planning activities to minimize production interruptions.

Production Monitoring and Communication

• Monitor work-in-process (WIP) throughout the manufacturing cycle.
• Track production progress and identify potential bottlenecks affecting manufacturing schedules.
• Communicate production status updates to the Planning Manager and other departments.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Shipping to support on-time order completion.
• Assist in resolving scheduling conflicts and production delays.
• Maintain accurate production tracking reports and scheduling documentation.
• Participate in daily production meetings and provide updates on work order status, production priorities, and delivery schedules.

Customer Delivery and Order Management

• Assist in monitoring customer order due dates and production completion schedules.
• Coordinate with Customer Service and Shipping regarding order status and expected completion dates.
• Identify orders at risk of missing scheduled delivery dates and escalate concerns promptly.
• Support expedited order requests and production priority adjustments.
• Assist in maintaining accurate delivery commitments and production status information.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and maintain production planning reports, including open work orders, WIP status, overdue jobs, and scheduled deliveries.
• Assist in analyzing production performance and identifying opportunities to improve scheduling efficiency.
• Support initiatives to reduce production delays, improve workflow, and increase on-time delivery performance.
• Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to production planning, inventory management, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing coordination, inventory control, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Previous experience in PCB manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, or a fast-paced production environment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production scheduling, or material planning is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of production planning, scheduling, and manufacturing workflows.
• Ability to read and understand production schedules, work orders, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments.
• Ability to identify scheduling conflicts and communicate potential production delays.
• Willingness to learn PCB manufacturing processes and production requirements.

PREFERRED PCB MANUFACTURING KNOWLEDGE

• Basic understanding of PCB fabrication processes, including inner layer processing, lamination, drilling, plating, imaging, etching, solder mask, surface finish, routing, and electrical testing.
• Familiarity with manufacturing lead times and production routing requirements.
• Understanding of work-in-process (WIP) tracking and production bottlenecks.
• Knowledge of material requirements planning (MRP) and inventory coordination.
• Familiarity with quick-turn PCB manufacturing and expedited production scheduling.
• Basic understanding of ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable manufacturing quality standards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as required.
• Frequent use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally enter manufacturing areas to monitor production progress.
• Must comply with all company safety policies and procedures, including required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be exposed to manufacturing equipment, noise, and industrial production environments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, and Customer Service.
• Support company production goals, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of company and customer information.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and applicable safety regulations.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop within the Production Planning Department.