Howmet Fastening Systems is seeking a Production Planning Manager for our Carson, CA location. The Production Planning & Scheduling Manager leads end‑to‑end planning for complex, high‑mix manufacturing programs. They create and maintain the master production schedule, drive the SIOP process, and ensure all prerequisites are cleared before releasing builds to the floor. The role requires strong ERP expertise, analytical skills, and proven leadership in transforming planning functions. The manager works cross‑functionally with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver on-demand, high‑quality products while continuously improving planning efficiency and schedule reliability.
- Lead integrated manufacturing planning for multiple customer programs and product platforms.
- Own the master production schedule, Sales‑Inventory‑Operations Planning (SIOP), and Clear‑to‑Build process.
- Translate high‑level plans into executable work‑center and station‑level schedules.
Key Responsibilities:
- SIOP & Master Scheduling :
Align backlog, demand forecasts, capacity, materials, and delivery commitments. Run scenario analyses, obtain leadership approval for major trade‑offs, and maintain a single integrated plan.
- Clear‑to‑Build & Production Control:
Ensure all prerequisites (config approvals, BOMs, tooling, labor, quality) are met before releasing schedules to the floor. Escalate exceptions and manage change control.
- ERP & Data Management:
Set planning data standards, validate BOMs, routings, and lead times.
- Analytics & Risk:
Identify bottlenecks, forecast risks, and provide early warning to management. Run weekly performance reviews (planned vs. actual, delivery risks).
- Continuous Improvement & Leadership:
Design standard work, meeting cadences, and escalation rules. Drive cross‑functional adoption and measurable improvements in readiness and schedule reliability.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations Management, Engineering, and/or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience materials planning in an aerospace or precision metal manufacturing environment
- Minimum 1 years of experience leading a team of direct reports
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Deep knowledge of SAP, Oracle, QAD, or similar ERP; advanced Excel (pivot tables, VBA).
High‑volume, high‑mix, engineered‑to‑order environments; aerospace or heavy‑vehicle or comparable engineered products.
Proven ability to build/transform planning functions, secure cross‑functional adoption, and deliver measurable improvements.
Strong problem‑solving, data‑driven decision making, and risk assessment.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills across all levels.
Preferred Qualifications:
- APICS certification (CPIM/CSCP)
- Experience in automotive, aerospace, or related high volume manufacturing environment
- ERP or MRP transformation background
- Project‑management experience in production planning or supply chain operations.
Compensation and Benefits:
If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.
Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
- Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
- Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
- Life insurance and disability coverage plans
- Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
- Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our Story:
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: [email protected]
About the TeamHowmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations management, engineering, or a related field
- At least 5 years of materials planning experience in aerospace or precision metal manufacturing
- At least 1 year of experience leading direct reports
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
- Visa sponsorship is not available
- Deep knowledge of SAP, Oracle, QAD, or similar ERP systems
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and VBA
- Experience in high-volume, high-mix, engineered-to-order environments
- Experience with aerospace, heavy-vehicle, or comparable engineered products
- Ability to build or transform planning functions and secure cross-functional adoption
- Strong problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and risk-assessment skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification
- Experience in automotive, aerospace, or related high-volume manufacturing
- ERP or MRP transformation experience
- Project-management experience in production planning or supply chain operations
Howmet Aerospace Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Howmet Aerospace and has not been reviewed or approved by Howmet Aerospace.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions include an automatic employer contribution plus a strong dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match for eligible U.S. salaried employees, enhancing total compensation. Feedback highlights retirement benefits as a relative strength compared with many large manufacturers.
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Healthcare Strength — Core health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, and feedback suggests the health plans are viewed positively. Health coverage is frequently characterized as solid and reliable.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered decent or competitive in many roles and locations, with hourly positions often able to lift earnings through overtime. Feedback indicates salary ranges for common technical roles align with broader aerospace manufacturing markets.
Howmet Aerospace Insights
What We Do
Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint.
