Production Planner II

As a Production Planner II at Rocket Lab, you will be primarily responsible for work order management within the Supply Chain team. This includes planning and managing production schedules, ensuring availability of materials, and facilitating communication among cross-functional teams like Engineering and Production. You’ll also be accountable for creating visibility reports on material positions and supporting the prioritization of subassemblies to meet integration timelines.

To qualify for the Production Planner II role at Rocket Lab, you need a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, an Associate's degree with 4 years of relatable experience is acceptable. Proficiency in MRP systems and MS Office is critical, along with knowledge of production planning fundamentals and strong problem-solving skills.

The Production Planner II role is crucial at Rocket Lab as it ensures the smooth flow of materials and information necessary for building rockets and satellites. By managing production schedules and addressing any potential blockers, you will directly support our mission to unlock space for innovative scientific exploration and technology demonstrations. Your work helps maintain the efficiency required as we push the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Preferred experience for a Production Planner II at Rocket Lab includes previous work in aerospace, EV automotive, or other fast-paced manufacturing environments. Familiarity with AS9100 standards, US export controls, and the ability to read engineering drawings would be beneficial. Experience in SQL, Python, or R can also be a plus, highlighting a well-rounded technical background.

At Rocket Lab, you can expect a fast-paced and dynamic work environment as a Production Planner II. Collaboration is key, and you will work closely with multiple departments to ensure that production timelines are met. The culture emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and resilience, which not only makes work exciting but also fulfilling as you contribute to significant projects in space technology.

When answering this question, highlight any specific MRP systems you have worked with, how you used them to manage production schedules, and any challenges you overcame using these tools. Share examples of how you ensured materials were available to meet production needs and how this facilitated successful project outcomes.

Demonstrate your understanding of prioritization frameworks, such as FIFO or by impact on production. Discuss how you balance urgent requests with longer-term planning, and provide an example of a situation where you successfully managed competing priorities to keep production flowing smoothly.

Discuss the importance of meticulous data management, regular audits, and how you leverage reports to stay informed about material status and production timelines. Share an example where your attention to detail led to a successful outcome, reinforcing your methodical approach.

Use this opportunity to illustrate your teamwork skills. Reference a specific project where you coordinated with multiple departments—how did you facilitate communication, keep everyone aligned, and ensure that all stakeholders were aware of updates and changes? Highlight your proactive communication style.

Discuss your approach to identifying potential shortages early and your strategies for mitigating their impact on the production schedule. This could include expediting orders, balancing workloads, or adjusting priorities. A specific example will lend credibility to your answer.

Talk about your familiarity with various tools or processes used in yield management, such as data analysis, modeling techniques, and software. Clearly explain how these tools help optimize production efficiency and improve output quality.

Share your strategies for staying organized, such as using software tools, checklists, and personal productivity methods (e.g., time blocking). Emphasize the importance of organization in ensuring no tasks fall through the cracks and how you maintain clarity around timelines.

Express your enthusiasm for the aerospace industry and how Rocket Lab's mission resonates with you. Mention specific aspects of the company or role that excite you, such as innovation, cutting-edge technology, or teamwork. Convey your desire to contribute meaningfully to ambitious projects.

Emphasize a systematic approach to problem-solving that includes identifying root causes, generating potential solutions, and working with teams to implement changes. Providing an example will illustrate your capacity to navigate complex challenges effectively.

Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and personal attributes that make you a fit for the role. Focus on your proficiency with MRP systems, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving skills. Coupling your background with a passion for aerospace will strengthen your case.