Principal Production Master Scheduler & Planner

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Established with a rich history that includes groundbreaking achievements such as the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, the development of stealth bombers, and landing on the moon, Northrop Grumman continues to lead in pioneering advanced technology for defense and space exploration. The company fosters a culture that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, diversity, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Employees at Northrop Grumman are part of a community that not only contributes to historic technological advancements but also shapes the future through bold innovation and collaboration.

The Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit specializes in designing, manufacturing, and operating small to medium-class spacecraft used in communication, imaging, scientific research, exploration, and national security applications. This unit is a key supplier of space components powering satellites of all kinds and provides technical engineering services to government agencies and laboratories. They are also at the forefront of developing advanced satellite servicing and spaceflight technologies, securing their role as leaders in next-generation space systems.

Located in Commerce, California, Northrop Grumman is currently seeking a Principal Production Master Scheduler and Planner for the first shift to join their dynamic manufacturing team. This role involves planning the sequence of assembly and other manufacturing operations associated with specific program and product deliverables within the manufacturing department. The incumbent will work closely with blueprints, engineering orders, change notices, and other technical releases to prepare work orders and coordinate with material groups and manufacturing engineering teams. This position demands proficiency with inventory systems to support production requirements and the ability to provide comprehensive statuses on both completed and in-process work. Reporting to the Production Planning Manager, the Production Master Scheduler & Planner plays a critical role in optimizing manufacturing schedules to align with program goals, ensuring materials, equipment, and personnel are efficiently allocated.

Responsibilities include performing variance analyses on work orders, reviewing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) executions, and validating master schedule requirements. The role requires identifying and resolving critical path conflicts, managing manufacturing capacity, rescheduling purchase orders, creating and releasing manufacturing orders, and tracking material shortages that may impact shipping schedules. A strong understanding of the Bill of Materials (BOM), material lifecycle, and configuration control is essential. Additionally, this role involves maintaining inventory and coordinating material flow between departments to support uninterrupted production activities.

Candidates for this position should possess a Bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant experience in production control and manufacturing environments utilizing MRP systems; however, substantial related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience with rescheduling, opening, closing, and canceling manufacturing orders, as well as proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office suite is essential. The role requires an understanding of capacity planning and the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds and sustain prolonged periods of standing or walking. Applicants must be U.S. citizens as this position requires compliance with government security protocols.

Preferred qualifications include strong analytical skills with the ability to work under tight deadlines, excellent verbal and written communication, Lean/Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification, experience with various ERP platforms beyond SAP, detailed scheduling at the work cell level, systems integration knowledge, and familiarity with Microsoft Project.

This position offers a competitive salary range between $85,600 and $128,400, commensurate with experience, education, and other relevant factors. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive overtime pay, shift differentials, discretionary bonuses, and annual performance-based bonuses. Northrop Grumman also provides comprehensive benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance, savings plans, paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business. Northrop Grumman is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. This opportunity provides a platform for motivated professionals to contribute to revolutionary technological advancements in aerospace and defense sectors while advancing their careers in a supportive and innovative environment.