About the Role The Production Planning Engineer is a dual-function role responsible for both the strategic scheduling of manufacturing operations and the hands-on engineering of production processes. This individual ensures that production plans are executable, efficient, and aligned with customer demand — while also driving continuous process improvement on the shop floor. The role serves as a critical bridge between Sales/Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing, making it a high-impact position for candidates who thrive at the intersection of planning, data, and process engineering. Key Responsibilities Production Planning Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) using ERP/MRP systems Translate customer orders and demand forecasts into detailed work order releases Coordinate material availability with Procurement to prevent line stoppages Monitor work-in-process (WIP) and adjust schedules to meet on-time delivery (OTD) targets Communicate schedule changes and production priorities to department supervisors Track and report key production

KPIs:

schedule adherence, throughput, cycle time, and capacity utilization Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes Production Engineering Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing routings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and work instructions Identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve quality using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies Provide engineering support for new product introductions (NPI) and engineering change orders (ECOs) Conduct time studies and capacity analysis to validate routing standards Support root cause analysis (RCA) for production defects, scrap, and rework Collaborate with Quality on PFMEA, control plans, and corrective actions Evaluate and specify tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment as needed Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 3-5 years of experience in a production planning and/or manufacturing engineering role Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs Preferred Experience in power electronics, variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, or renewable energy systems manufacturing

APICS CPIM

certification or active progress toward certification Six Sigma Green Belt or higher Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD tools Familiarity with IPC standards or UL/CE compliance in an electromechanical manufacturing environment Core Competencies Analytical Problem-Solving — Data-driven approach to diagnosing and resolving production challenges Cross-Functional Communication — Comfortable interfacing with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, and shop floor teams Attention to Detail — Able to manage competing priorities without sacrificing accuracy Technical Proficiency — Skilled in Excel, ERP reporting tools, and manufacturing documentation Self-Direction — Thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix / low-volume manufacturing environment Physical Requirements Ability to work on the production floor in a manufacturing environment Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. Must comply with all applicable safety and PPE requirements