Production Planner Administrator III

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) maintains and operates JPL’s infrastructure to enable resilient systems and mission success. Within this division, the Logistics & Operations Planning Section (643) directs Lab-wide operations, including asset control, material movement, inventory management, metrology, and flight hardware support.

We are seeking a versatile Production Planning & Control professional to join the Production Control Group (643E). Leveraging industrial engineering, analytical, and technical expertise, you will optimize production processes, manage work order and material flow, and drive continuous improvement across a dynamic manufacturing environment. In this role, you will bridge planning, material management, and engineering integration to ensure flight and ground hardware is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Manage MRP‑driven supply, demand, and fulfillment planning; release work orders, requisitions, kits, and maintain accurate part master data and configuration.
• Coordinate with engineering and project teams to review drawings, translate requirements into manufacturable plans, and support Instructions for Build, Assembly & Test (IBAT)/manufacturing issue resolution.
• Review and level‑load production schedules to optimize resources, capacity, and throughput; assess manufacturing capabilities to meet project requirements cost‑effectively.
• Monitor material availability, resolve shortages, identify alternate sourcing, expedite subassemblies, and ensure components are available at point‑of‑use.
• Analyze MRP/ERP output, troubleshoot exceptions, adjust lead times, and ensure valid order policies, safety stocks, and build readiness.
• Provide material status, factory priorities, WIP visibility, KPIs, and corrective action plans; identify risks to build schedules and develop mitigation strategies.
• Optimize production workflows, reduce waste, shorten cycle times, improve productivity, and remove bottlenecks using industrial‑engineering methods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across operations using Lean, Six Sigma, VSM, RCA, and data‑driven analysis.
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, logistics, and project management teams to maintain material flow, resolve issues, and align priorities.
• Contribute to capacity planning, manpower planning, change management, configuration control, and operational improvement projects requiring strong analytical and cross‑functional leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field with 6 years of related experience (or master's with 4 years of related experience).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, capacity analysis, MRP/ERP systems, inventory management, and material flow.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering and manufacturing drawings.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem‑solving skills; proficient

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, electronics, EV automotive, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with AS9100, FAR/DFAR, government contracting, export controls, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Prior experience in Oracle MRP.
• Experience with SQL, Python, R, PowerBI, MS Project, or advanced data analysis tools.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage ambiguity, drive initiatives, and lead cross‑functional projects.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.