Production Planner

Production Planner – Defense Manufacturing

Location: Clifton, NJ (Fully Onsite, 5 days/week)

Contract Type: 12-Month Contract-to-Hire

Pay Rate: $42/hour

Schedule: 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required

Interview Process: 2 Rounds

We are seeking a Production Planner to join the operations team of a leading defense and aerospace organization in Clifton, NJ. This role is critical in supporting hardware manufacturing and aftermarket operations by planning, coordinating, and tracking production activities across the full product lifecycle. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth flow of physical hardware through manufacturing, inspection, testing, and repair processes.

• Plan, schedule, and track hardware units through manufacturing, inspection, test, repair, and inventory processes.
• Analyze production and inventory data within ERP/MRP systems to monitor status, cycle time, and commitments.
• Manage aftermarket process flow including receipt, inspection, lab entry, test station routing, and closure.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program teams to resolve schedule disruptions.
• Ensure alignment of material, labor, and capacity with delivery requirements.

• 3+ years in production planning or engineering within hardware manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or regulated industrial environments.
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems for production tracking and data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware movement (warehouse, lab, test, assembly, repair).
• Ability to manage priorities under moderate supervision.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Excel for reporting and lifecycle tracking.