Manufacturing Planner

Job Title: Manufacturing Planner Job Description The Manufacturing Planner develops and maintains safe, efficient, and highly organized manufacturing processes for complex aerospace components and assemblies. This role analyzes customer engineering data, manages product configurations, and creates detailed work instructions to support machining, fabrication, and assembly operations. The Manufacturing Planner collaborates closely with engineering, quality, production, and external vendors to support new product introductions, implement process improvements, and ensure accurate technical communication throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Responsibilities

- Develop and support safe work practices and environments in both the manufacturing shop and the office.
- Analyze new and revised customer engineering data to manage and maintain accurate product configurations.
- Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process by actively participating in NPI and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) teams.
- Support product configuration control by participating in change board activities and ensuring proper documentation of changes.
- Coordinate and resolve engineering data conflicts using customer web-based discrepancy reporting systems.
- Print and assemble engineering data packages and provide them to Quality Assurance for control and release to the shop.
- Generate detailed, step-by-step work instructions for manufacturing complex machined components and assemblies, with a strong emphasis on assembly practices.
- Develop detailed requirements for outsourcing fabricated components and communicate them clearly to external vendors.
- Coordinate machining sequences and raw material requirements with the N/C Programming Manager to ensure efficient workflow.
- Create accurate bills of materials (BOMs) to support the acquisition of raw materials, fasteners, and related hardware such as rivets and bolts.
- Coordinate requirements for shop and processing visual aids to support clear communication of work instructions.
- Provide technical support to internal departments and external vendor bases to resolve manufacturing and process-related issues.
- Support and participate in Six Sigma and lean events as directed to drive continuous improvement.
- Identify, recommend, and implement process improvement tools and methods across manufacturing processes from raw material receipt through finished goods delivery.
- Ensure appropriate and timely flow of technical information between internal stakeholders and external customers.
- Perform shop liaison activities to support engineering changes in shop-released work instructions and ensure smooth implementation on the floor.

Essential Skills

- At least 2 years of direct experience as an aerospace manufacturing engineer or manufacturing planner.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace metal fabrication, machining, and assembly practices.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and multiple aerospace industry specifications and standards.
- Thorough knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP software systems; experience with Syteline MRP is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Access.
- Experience in manufacturing engineering, including process planning and manufacturing process development.
- Experience working with bills of materials (BOMs) in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with aerospace industry requirements and practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Some experience using CAD systems such as AutoCAD, DraftSight, CATIA, or similar tools.
- Experience with Six Sigma or lean manufacturing initiatives.
- Experience working within ERP-based manufacturing environments in aerospace or related industries.
- High level of motivation, attention to detail, and strong team orientation.
- Ability to meet frequent short timeline goals and manage tight deadlines effectively.
- Self-starter with the ability to perform responsibilities with minimal direction.
- Demonstrated dependability, including following instructions, responding to direction, and taking responsibility for actions.
- Strong initiative, including asking for and offering help when needed, and working independently without prompting.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, plan and organize work activities, and use time efficiently.
- Interest in working with a Tier 1 aerospace supplier in a direct, long-term role.

Work Environment This role operates in an engineering office setting with standard hours of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position works closely with the manufacturing shop environment, collaborating with production, quality, and programming teams. The work involves frequent interaction with engineering data, ERP/MRP systems, and standard office productivity software, as well as coordination with external vendors and customers in a structured aerospace manufacturing environment
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $95000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Please reach out for copy of benefits guide.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.