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Planning Manager

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As the Planning Manager, you lead the Planning organization, owning planning processes, standards, and execution to support on-time delivery and operational performance. You guide planning priorities, oversee resource allocation, strengthen cross-functional alignment, and drive continuous improvement across Program Planning and Value Stream Planning. Your work ensures consistent processes, accurate planning data, and effective integration with Operations, Program Management, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Planning organization, managing priorities, workload, and resource allocation across Program Planning and Value Stream Planning.
• Develops the Planning team through performance management, coaching, training, development, cross-training, succession planning, and staffing participation.
• Owns and improves Planning processes and standards to drive consistency, best practices, and accountability across the organization.
• Serves as the functional owner for EPICOR enterprise resource planning (ERP), ensuring proper system usage, data integrity, planning parameters, and ongoing process enhancement.
• Oversees production and program planning, ensuring schedules, bills of material, material requirements, and planning activities meet customer and operational needs.
• Leads capacity and resource planning to identify constraints, staffing requirements, bottlenecks, and future resource needs in collaboration with Operations and Manufacturing.
• Establishes and monitors Planning performance metrics and implements corrective actions to improve schedule performance, planning accuracy, inventory performance, and material availability.
• Provides cross-functional leadership to resolve issues and align planning priorities with business objectives across Operations, Program Management, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning efficiency, accuracy, standardization, automation, and overall effectiveness.
• Provides technical planning leadership for complex or critical programs and delivers hands-on planning support when required while ensuring compliance with company, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related discipline or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
• Six or more years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Three or more years of experience with EPICOR enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.