Sr. Production Planning & Control Manager

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Sr. Production Planning & Control Manager to join our team, contributing to the development and execution of a scalable production planning framework that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic growth. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in driving cross-functional alignment between planning, procurement, production, engineering, and go to market teams to ensure successful delivery against the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and broader company objectives.

What You'll Do

* Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) in alignment with sales demand, supply chain parameters, capacity, and material availability.

* Drive planning strategy and structure to support production scalability and accuracy for Engineering Changes, New Product Introduction, and Configuration Control including leading the Change Control Board and Production Readiness Reviews.

* Partner with Supply Chain Procurement, Engineering, Inventory, Go To Market, and Manufacturing, and Logistics to ensure synchronized execution of material plans, configuration control, and build schedules.

* Analyze capacity constraints and material shortages to adjust plans, mitigate risk, and ensure on-time delivery (OTD) through creation and ownership of a Clear to Build process.

* Support RCCA and material review processes, applying structured problem-solving to planning, demand, and inventory consumption discrepancies

* Ownership of ERP data and planning attributes to ensure MRP accuracy and efficiency including Manufacturing Bill of Material management.

* Lead S&OP process and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

* Act in partnership with master planning, scheduling, and supply chain procurement to ensure continuity of material supply to production and on-time delivery to R&D. Creation/facilitation of R&D and ITAR inventory management programs with Engineering.

* Active stakeholder in Material Review Board (MRB) and other material disposition processes with required transactions to ensure overall inventory accuracy.

* Participate in cross-functional teams to address operational challenges and drive continuous improvement throughout the organization.

* Lead efforts in production control to enhance the functionality, utilization, and accuracy of information within ERP system.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning or manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  Proven experience in a low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries.
• Deep expertise in NetSuite ERP or similar manufacturing ERP platforms, specifically with MRP, BOMs, demand management, and work order execution.
• Strong understanding of MRP principles, inventory control, capacity planning, and production scheduling logic.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for modeling, scenario planning, and data analysis.
• Experience with governmental inventory and manufacturing standards and operations (DoD preferred).
• Experience developing and managing S&OP process.
• Strong working knowledge of BOM management, product configuration, and quality assurance controls.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly, with occasional heavier lifting.
• Employee must be able to stand, walk, and bend for long periods, as well as push, pull, and maneuver carts and packages.
• Manual dexterity is necessary for handling.
• Loading and unloading materials manually, pallet jack, or forklift.

Work Environment

• Operates primarily in a professional, climate-controlled office, warehouse, manufacturing and shipping environment. At times, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety gloves, goggles, and hearing protection may be required.
• Employee may also work where they may be exposed to the elements, including heat, rain, and cold.
• Standard hours are Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 3:30PM, with occasional overtime as operational needs may require.
• Fast paced environment with moving, packing, delivering materials

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On-site fitness center.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.