Manufacturing Planner

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Planner is responsible for converting customer requirements into actionable production plans that keep work flowing through the shop. In addition to scheduling, this role manages the release of work orders, ensures that accurate process information is available for each job, and confirms the necessary tools and fixtures are in place to keep production running smoothly. By coordinating with engineering, supply chain, customer service, and production, the Manufacturing Planner develops a broad understanding of operations and serves as a key link between departments. This is a fast-paced role with high visibility and a direct impact on delivery performance and resource utilization.

Full Time Exempt

Planned start date in January 2026

Position Responsibilities

Scheduling and Capacity Planning

• Set and maintain the master machine schedule, balancing demand, capacity, and bottleneck resources.
• Create weekly labor schedules and maintain the daily shop schedule board to ensure visibility across teams.
• Facilitate daily production meetings which include the Team Leads
• Ensure execution of the schedule and escalate schedule conflicts or material/tooling shortages to the relevant parties

Work Order Management

• Create work orders in ProShop
• Set material requirement dates for BOM items
• Sign off on pre-checks when required to release jobs to production
• Ensure work orders include accurate run descriptions, routing steps, inspection requirements, and fixture/tooling information
• Coordinate availability of required tooling and fixtures and manage fixture bins
• Monitor production flow and adjust priorities or schedules to clear roadblocks
• Manage work order time tracking entries; review and correct discrepancies
• Review job closeouts and work with Engineering to update routings or process notes in ProShop

Collaboration

• Act as the go-between for Sales/Customer Service and Production:
• Notify Customer Service of jobs not scheduled to meet promised due dates.
• Work with Engineering to confirm routings and planning data are correct.
• Work with Supply Chain on purchasing requirements, ensuring BOM needs are defined with correct need-by dates.
• Work with Team Leads to support daily work and ensure smooth handoffs between shifts and/or staggered crews
• Work with the Maintenance Lead to schedule PMs and other maintenance needs
• Support Engineering by incorporating new processes, routings, or setup instructions into the production plan

Analysis

• Analyze schedule, WIP, and capacity data to identify opportunities to improve lead-time, throughput, and resource utilization.
• Provide feedback to Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production on recurring issues or constraints.
• Recommend planning, staffing, and equipment improvements

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a machine shop environment.
• At least 2 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or related operations role.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, work order flow, and shop floor operations.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions (engineering, supply chain, customer service, and production).
• A proactive attitude with the ability to drive progress and clear roadblocks under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment to adapt schedules and priorities as conditions change.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (experience with ProShop ERP is a plus) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to interpret routings, BOMs, and technical documentation.

Preferred

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and capacity modeling.
• Knowledge of scheduling methods including Theory of Constraints, Kanban/pull systems, lead-time reduction, lot sizing, setup reduction, and level-loading.
• Experience coordinating tooling and fixture availability for production.
• Familiarity with quality and inspection requirements (first article inspections, in-process checks, signoffs).
• Experience in process documentation and improvement.

About Rhine Machining:

Rhine Machining is a full-service machine shop with capabilities in CNC and Manual operations - both turning and milling.

Our skilled cadre of designers, engineers and machinists fill customer needs, providing parts to OEM manufacturers in several key economic sectors, including dairy, agriculture, construction, medical and restaurant equipment.

Rhine's unparalleled customer service is a value ingrained in our staff and interwoven throughout processes to provide our customers with the best experience and quality machined parts.

Apply today and take the next step in your machining career — where precision, pride, and performance come together

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person