Senior Production Planning Analyst

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are seeking a Senior Production Planning Analyst to join our team, contributing to the development and execution of structured planning, scheduling, and material control processes. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the planning and controls through ERP analysis, production performance insights, and proactive problem-solving.

What You'll Do

• Ownership of ERP system set-up and attributes including creating, maintaining, and validation of part master set-up, manufacturing bill of materials, and work order management ensuring MRP and inventory accuracy
• Support the execution and maintenance of the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and short-term planning cycles
• Monitor and analyze material availability, open work orders, and production readiness across all programs identifying planning gaps, schedule risks, or material shortages and recommend corrective actions to management
• Drive planning strategy and structure to support production scalability and accuracy for Engineering Changes, New Product Introduction, and Configuration Control including leading the Change Control Board and Production Readiness Reviews
• Analyze capacity constraints and material shortages to adjust plans, mitigate risk, and ensure on-time delivery (OTD) through creation and ownership of a Clear to Build process
• Lead efforts in production control to enhance the functionality, utilization, and accuracy of information within ERP system combined with running production simulations and capacity models to support sales demand and operational forecasting
• Act in partnership with master planning, scheduling, and supply chain procurement to ensure continuity of material supply to production and on-time delivery to R&D. Creation/facilitation of R&D and ITAR inventory management programs with Engineering.
• Develop and maintain production planning reports, dashboards, and KPI summaries using ERP and BI tools
• Extract, analyze, and reconcile data from NetSuite ERP to ensure accuracy of BOMs, MRP signals, and order statuses
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, and Production teams to ensure alignment between planning and execution by providing regular status reports on finished goods, WIP, and inventory levels to support daily production reviews

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business Analytics, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a production planning, supply chain, or manufacturing analytics role
• Hands-on experience working within an ERP system (preferably NetSuite) to create, manage, and maintain production and planning date including bill of materials
• Deep expertise in NetSuite ERP or similar manufacturing ERP platforms, specifically with MRP, BOMs, demand management, capacity planning, production scheduling, inventory control and work order execution
• Experience with ERP systems for inventory management, controls, data analytics, and metric reporting with strong working knowledge of BOM management, product configuration, and quality assurance controls.
• Ability to identify issues in planning workflows and clearly communicate recommendations along with familiarity with MRP principles, BOM structures, and work order processes
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data modeling, pivot tables, and advanced formulas
• Working knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence and reporting tools
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset with experience with governmental inventory and manufacturing standards and operations (DoD preferred)
• Direct experience bootstrapping production planning processes from low level of maturity into high performing, high throughput operations with proven experience in a low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment. Must be physically capable to lift / carry up to 25 pounds

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to electro-mechanical manufacturing and may require occasional travel to suppliers. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package that reflects your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On-site fitness center

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.