Aerotek is hiring IMMEDIATELY for a Production Planner in Sussex County, DE.
Job Description
The Production Planner coordinates workflows, manages production schedules, and ensures projects move efficiently through the fabrication process. This role requires a highly organized professional with strong attention to detail, excellent memory retention, and the ability to track multiple jobs simultaneously while maintaining accurate and current information. Acting as a key communication link between operations, production teams, and leadership, the Production Planner monitors project status, identifies potential delays, and ensures priorities are clearly understood across the organization. Success in this role relies on a thorough understanding of business and fabrication processes, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and communicate daily, weekly, and long-term production schedules based on project priorities, customer requirements, and available resources.
- Coordinate fabrication activities with project managers, shop supervisors, engineering, purchasing, and shipping departments to ensure smooth workflow.
- Analyze project requirements, material availability, labor capacity, and equipment utilization to create realistic and achievable production plans.
- Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address changing priorities, material shortages, equipment downtime, or customer demands.
- Ensure fabrication work orders, shop drawings, and production documentation are released to the shop in a timely and accurate manner.
- Track project status and production metrics to support on-time delivery and efficient workflow throughout the fabrication process.
- Collaborate with purchasing personnel to confirm required materials are available to support scheduled production activities.
- Identify production bottlenecks and recommend solutions to improve efficiency, throughput, and resource utilization.
- Participate in production meetings and provide clear updates on scheduling, workload, and project status.
- Maintain accurate production records, schedules, and reporting within ERP, MRP, or other manufacturing management systems.
- Work closely with fabrication supervisors to balance shop workloads across departments and work centers.
- Coordinate with transportation and logistics personnel to ensure timely shipment of completed products.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and overall operational performance.
- Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards in all planning and scheduling activities.
- Assist management with capacity planning, forecasting, and labor utilization analysis to support long-term operational goals.
- Spend time in the fabrication shop environment to observe processes, understand constraints, and attend production meetings.
- Walk throughout the manufacturing facility as needed to gather information and verify production status.
Essential Skills
- Ideally at least 3 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, operations coordination, or a closely related role.
- Experience in structural steel fabrication, metal manufacturing, or construction-related industries strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of fabrication processes, shop workflow, and production scheduling principles.
- Proficiency with ERP, MRP, or other manufacturing planning and management software systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, bills of materials, and production documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
- Knowledge of inventory management, material planning, and capacity planning concepts.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
- Strong sense of urgency, accountability, and commitment to meeting customer and project deadlines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Exposure to structural steel fabrication, metal manufacturing, or construction-related operations.
- Hands-on familiarity with shop workflows and fabrication processes.
- Experience using ERP and MRP systems to maintain schedules, work orders, and production data.
- Comfort working with detailed production documentation, including fabrication drawings and bills of materials.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with project management, engineering, purchasing, shipping, and shop supervision.
- Exposure to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to balance short-term production needs with long-term capacity planning and forecasting.
Why Work Here?
Join a long-established, family-owned business with a strong local presence and a tight-knit culture where collaboration and mutual support are highly valued. You will have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned industry experts and plant leadership, gaining direct exposure to decision-making and strategic operations. The organization prioritizes internal growth, offering room to advance and a track record of promoting from within. Employees benefit from competitive compensation for the area, access to benefits shortly after permanent hire, and a generous paid vacation package that grows with tenure, supporting long-term stability and work-life balance.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Seaford, DE.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Seaford,DE.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.