Trainee Production Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC) is a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings and components for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries.  Founded in 1919, the Company is primarily focused on producing highly technical and/or regulated bearing products and engineered components requiring sophisticated design, testing and manufacturing capabilities for the diversified industrial, aerospace and defense markets.  We currently have 60 facilities, of which 43 are manufacturing facilities in ten countries and our market capitalization is approximately $14.5 billion.

JOB TITLE/LOCATION:

Production Control Trainee OR Production Control Planner – Santa Ana, CA

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the Materials Manager, Buyer/Planners, Manufacturing Supervisors, Engineers, and Operations teams to support daily production and supply chain activities
• Manage both stock and non-stock orders within a manufacturing environment, ensuring accuracy and timely execution
• Support plant customer service and inventory objectives by effectively managing raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), buffers, and finished goods
• Create and release shop orders while assisting in scheduling work centers to meet production requirements
• Execute MRP processes, including purchase order creation, maintenance, and resolution of invoice discrepancies
• Monitor material availability and generate shortage reports, proactively identifying risks and recommending solutions
• Adjust order schedules (expedite or defer) to align with changing demand, supply conditions, and production priorities
• Analyze and maintain appropriate inventory levels for assigned components and commodities
• Expedite materials and orders with both internal manufacturing teams and external suppliers to meet delivery commitments
• Support supplier performance by monitoring on-time delivery, identifying potential disruptions, and escalating issues as needed
• Coordinate with the Quality department to address non-conforming material and supplier-related quality issues
• Assist with warehouse operations, including raw material handling, shipping, and receiving activities as required
• Communicate order status and potential risks to Customer Service and internal stakeholders
• Track daily/weekly production schedule adherence and report variances
• Support recovery planning efforts to bring schedules back on track
• Identify and escalate data inaccuracies that impact MRP results
• Support disposition plans (rework, usage, scrap, return)
• Maintain a prioritized shortage tracker tied to production impact
• Support dashboard/report development (Excel, Power BI)
• Participate in daily/weekly production or materials meetings

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job function. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business management, operations management, logistics, or another related field.

Experience:

Trainee

• • 0-1 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, production control, or related field preferred.
  • Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in planning, logistics, operations, or data analysis is a plus.

Planner

• • 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, production control, or related field preferred.
  • Experience within aerospace manufacturing is a plus.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities
• Basic understanding of production planning, scheduling, capacity constraints, and material flow concepts
• Working knowledge or exposure to ERP/MRP systems, including order management and planning transactions is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis) and other Microsoft Office applications
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, identify issues, and propose solutions
• Ability to manage changing priorities and adapt quickly to shifting business conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate in a team-oriented environment
• Basic understanding of inventory management principles, including inventory turns, safety stock, and excess/obsolete material
• Ability to track and report key performance metrics related to planning, inventory, and supplier performance
• Exposure to data visualization or reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) preferred
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and process standardization efforts

Physical & Environmental Factors:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee generally works indoors within the office and manufacturing areas. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate or loud. Also, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or to hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

This role is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which requires the incumbent to be either a US citizen, lawful permanent resident [“green card” holders] or have refugee or asylee status.

**Please note that the salary range information is only applicable for California.  The pay range represents the low and high end of the salary range we reasonably expect to pay for this position at the time of posting. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, education, skills, qualifications, performance, and business or organizational needs. 

Pay Range: $70,500 to $78,000 annually

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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