Production Planning Manager

Company Overview

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Position Summary

The Production Planning Manager is responsible for leading ExoTerra's production planning function, ensuring optimized material usage, production schedules, and timely delivery of propulsion systems and spacecraft hardware. This role manages the Production Planning team, oversees the master production schedule, and serves as the key liaison between business functions supporting the manufacturing of conforming products.

You will develop and execute production planning strategies, manage team performance, coordinate with Program Management, Operations, Inventory, Finance, and Procurement to ensure efficient production execution. Your leadership will be critical in meeting program delivery commitments while minimizing schedule churn and optimizing resource utilization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Production Planning team, including hiring, performance reviews, goal setting, and mentorship.
• Develop and maintain the master production plan and finite-capacity schedule aligned with program requirements.
• Oversee conversion of demand into Manufacturing Orders and clear workflows for production teams.
• Coordinate with Program Management and production teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and prioritize floor activities.
• Lead forecasting meetings with Operations, Inventory, Finance, Shipping, and Purchasing to align production plans with business needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between business functions supporting manufacturing operations.
• Manage coordination between Inventory and Procurement to ensure timely ordering of materials to meet production deadlines.
• Work with Design Engineering to review BOMs and release dates to initiate procurement activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors; oversee part quotations and cost-improvement opportunities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost; drive continuous improvement in planning processes.
• Ensure plans minimize schedule churn, expediting, and improve execution stability.
• Manage ERP/MRP system data integrity and planning processes (Costpoint/NetSuite).
• Develop and implement production planning procedures and best practices.
• Support capacity planning and resource allocation across multiple concurrent programs.
• Communicate production status, risks, and recovery plans to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support proposal efforts with production planning inputs and schedule assessments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7-9 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, or supply chain management.
• 3+ years of experience managing planning or operations teams.
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems (Costpoint or NetSuite preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage master production schedules.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and data integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Ability to react quickly to changes in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidates must comply with U.S. export control and ITAR requirements (U.S. person status required).

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• Experience with spacecraft or propulsion system production.
• Procurement or supply chain management experience.
• Experience implementing or optimizing ERP/MRP systems.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with finite capacity scheduling tools.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments
• 8 hour shift, Monday to Friday, Full time
• Some overtime may be needed to meet production deadlines

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $120,000 - $140,000

Vacation: 3 Weeks

(Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ExoTerra Resource Corp, LLC is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other protected factor. ExoTerra Resource Corp is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.