Manfacturing Planner

Job Title: Manufacturing Planner Job Description
This role supports manufacturing operations by developing and maintaining detailed production plans, work instructions, and documentation that ensure products meet customer specifications and aerospace quality standards. The Manufacturing Planner collaborates closely with internal teams and customer representatives to interpret engineering data, identify and mitigate quality risks, and drive continuous improvement across machining and production processes.
Responsibilities
- Support quotation activities by gathering and analyzing information related to manufacturing processes, raw materials, hardware, and special processing requirements.
- Download, organize, and maintain customer-supplied engineering documentation and technical data packages in accordance with company document control procedures.
- Review and log Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Digital Product Definition (DPD) files to ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal processes.
- Create and send Requests for Assistance to customers to clarify part engineering details and support manufacturability of their products.
- Develop, review, and maintain detailed work plans and job templates, including material specifications, hardware requirements, machining operations, inspection criteria, and assembly instructions.
- Ensure work plans, job templates, and products meet customer specifications by reviewing drawings, purchase orders, and quality manuals.
- Identify potential quality issues before production begins and collaborate with various departments to maintain quality standards throughout the production cycle.
- Identify potential quality risks within manufacturing processes and implement preventative measures to reduce nonconformances.
- Apply knowledge of machining, aerospace, and continuous improvement principles to support customer needs assessment, meet quality standards for services, and evaluate customer satisfaction.
- Work with internal teams and customer representatives to address nonconformances and support Material Review Board (MRB) activities, including assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate corrective actions.
- Understand and review company First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) for compliance to AS9102 using Net-Inspect or similar systems.
- Plan and schedule production activities using ERP systems, ensuring accurate production planning, schedule planning, and production scheduling.
- Provide timely updates and responses to questions from colleagues and stakeholders regarding planning status, documentation, and production priorities.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the planning function and across production operations.
Essential Skills
- Approximately 2 years of experience as a manufacturing planner or in a closely related production planning role.
- Approximately 2 years of experience working with ERP systems such as SAP for production and schedule planning.
- Demonstrated experience in production planning, production scheduling, and shop-floor coordination.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
- Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Quality-oriented mindset with an understanding of AS9100 and AS9102 requirements.
- Knowledge of machining processes and aerospace manufacturing principles.
- Ability to identify quality risks and implement preventative measures within manufacturing processes.
- Experience reviewing and supporting First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) for AS9102 compliance.
- Strong ability to set priorities, solve problems, and remain resourceful under pressure.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with various levels of staff and management.
- High level of proficiency with general office applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Good typing skills and comfort with learning new software applications.
- Proven diligence, dedication, and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work reliably with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of performance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Familiarity with Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Digital Product Definition (DPD) file handling.
- Experience with Net-Inspect or similar tools for AS9102 FAIR review.
- Background in aerospace manufacturing or related industries.
- Exposure to continuous improvement principles and practices within manufacturing environments.
- Experience collaborating with customer representatives and internal stakeholders on nonconformances and MRB activities.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Motivated, dependable, and team-oriented approach to work.
- Contract-to-hire opportunity, offering a path to longer-term employment based on performance and business needs.
Work Environment
This is primarily an office-based role with regular interaction with the manufacturing shop floor as needed to support planning and production activities. The position involves working with digital engineering documentation, ERP systems, and standard office software in a structured, process-driven environment. The planner collaborates frequently with production, quality, and other functional teams, who will come to the planner for updates and questions regarding schedules, documentation, and work instructions. The environment is fast-paced and quality-focused, with a strong emphasis on aerospace standards, document control, and continuous improvement.
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 $32.00 - $40.00/hr. 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. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

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.