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Operations Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft

Planner/Scheduler III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$43 - $52/hr

Work closely with Procurement and Operations Planner to monitor supply chain issues for production planning purposes. * Maintain production spreadsheets to ensure proper monitoring and management of ...

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Operations Planner information

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$32

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How much do operations planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations planner in California is $32.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations planner?

Operations Planners are professionals responsible for coordinating and optimizing the day-to-day activities of a business or organization. They analyze workflows, forecast demand, allocate resources, and develop schedules to ensure efficient and timely operations. Their role often involves collaborating with different departments to anticipate challenges and implement solutions that improve productivity and reduce costs. Operations Planners are essential in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.

Do operations planners make good money?

Operations planners typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Advanced skills in supply chain management, data analysis, and proficiency with planning software can lead to higher compensation. Salaries can also increase with certifications such as APICS CPIM or CSCP.

What are some typical challenges operations planners face when coordinating between different departments?

Operations Planners often encounter challenges in aligning schedules, resources, and priorities across departments such as production, logistics, and procurement. Differences in communication styles, shifting priorities, and unexpected disruptions (like supply chain delays) require strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Building effective relationships and maintaining clear, proactive communication are essential to ensure that all teams are working toward shared goals and that plans remain on track.

What does an operations planner do?

An operations planner is responsible for coordinating and scheduling resources, materials, and activities to ensure efficient business operations. They analyze data, develop plans, and collaborate with teams to meet production or service goals, often using tools like ERP systems. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in business, supply chain, or logistics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel, and planning software like SAP or Oracle is typically required. Exceptional organizational abilities, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate with cross-functional teams and adapt to shifting priorities. These competencies ensure efficient resource allocation, minimize operational disruptions, and drive successful execution of organizational objectives.
What are popular job titles related to Operations Planner jobs in California? For Operations Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Planner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Planner jobs in California are:
Operations Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Planner job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,964 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Special Operations Planner - Vandenberg SFB

QinetiQ US

Lompoc, CA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

Join us in supporting the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), one of the nation's eleven unified combatant commands responsible for space operations critical to joint warfighting. We are seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to serve as an embedded contractor supporting U.S. Space Forces (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The ideal candidate brings deep operational planning expertise - including familiarity with Special Technical Operations (STO), compartmented programs, and space domain integration - and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions.

Responsibilities
  • Support and lead operational and strategic planning efforts across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), Courses of Action (COAs), contingency plans, and operational orders
  • Integrate special operations and Special Technical Operations (STO) / Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans, campaign plans, and CONPLANS (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130)
  • Coordinate planning efforts across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allied and partner nations, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize planning activities and resolve conflict
  • Develop and present decision-ready products - including briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries - for senior and flag-level leadership
  • Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargame including scenario design, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development, After Action Reviews (AARs), and observer/trainer support
  • Integrate space control capabilities - including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) - into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain
  • Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM), and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks
  • Identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves
  • Utilize classified collaboration environments (SIPRNet, JWICS) and planning tools to manage and disseminate compartmented planning materials
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field)
  • 10+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command headquarters environment
  • Demonstrated experience with the Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)
  • Experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) into operational plans
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality briefings, orders, and staff packages under high-pressure, short-suspense conditions
  • Proficiency with classified systems and tools including SIPRNet and JWICS
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related field
  • Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC), or the Joint Staff
  • Familiarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning)
  • Completion of a formal STO Planner course (e.g., USASTOPC) and/or Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) training
  • Experience with space domain awareness, satellite communications, missile warning, or space control missions
  • Background in wargame design, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or exercise planning
  • Prior military service with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40) or in a special operations planning billet
Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Employment Type: OTHER

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