Job Description

Job Summary

The Jr. Planner/Buyer assists with planning and purchasing tasks by analyzing inventory data, preparing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and communicating with suppliers. The Jr. Planner/Buyer help maintains accurate stock levels, support production needs, and contribute to cost‑effective procurement decisions. Perform production planning activities driven by the MRP/ERP system, including releasing work orders to the shop floor and generating material requisitions to support manufacturing operations. 

The Planner/Buyer, Jr. manages purchasing and inventory planning by forecasting demand, placing purchase orders, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring materials arrive on time while controlling costs and stock levels.

Ensure the efficient flow of materials across all operational areas, including Procurement, Receiving, Manufacturing, Assembly, Inspection, and Shipping. Coordinate both internal processes and external supplier interactions to meet production schedules and customer delivery commitments. Proactively identify and resolve issues that may impact material movement or production timelines by compiling and maintaining action item lists, keeping all stakeholders informed of risks and progress. 

Key Responsibilities

• Route and expedite raw material, components, engineering documents, Blueprints, etc., in and between departments to ensure the un-interrupted flow of projects
• Revise and re-schedule orders to meet the priorities of the team as directed by Planner or Project manager,
• Compile and prepare reports tracking material movements to provide detailed updates for Project Manager and Planners.
• Working within the team and other area owners, ensure accurate and timely responses to requested or required actions to support deliverables.
• Work with the area owners prioritize schedules, where necessary, to avoid extended delays and keep High priority jobs moving through their various production activities.
• Report production issues or irregularities to the project and/or assigned planner as required.
• Perform Job updates due to scrap and engineering revisions as required to keep hardware in production at the latest configuration.
• Assist and provide recommendations concerning processes, procedures, personnel, equipment and any other improvements that may improve the effectiveness and efficiencies of the organization and company.
• Work closely with Project and Planning Teams, Assembly, Machine Shop and Inventory control teams, to drive commitments and achieve required production goals and on-time delivery to both our internal and external customers.
• Collaborate with all area owners to coordinate preparation of Schedules and reports and maintain those files and other required records.
• Follow up on late shipments and resolve supply issues  

Experience:

• Minimum of one-year experience in a fast-paced precision production environment preferred
• Knowledge of Production control systems, component and assembled products, manufacturing processes preferred
• Understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) beneficial
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and supplier quality management systems beneficial
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government contracting principles beneficial
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital procurement tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication 

Education:

• High School or technical/vocational school degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field (and/or equivalent experience) preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25–30 lbs.
• Regular use of computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment.

All candidates must meet the US persons criteria.

Please note: The salary range is based on our market pay structure. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At Valcor Engineering, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 30+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; long term disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program. Our leave programs include Vacation and PTO time off, paid holidays, as well as other types such as bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to these characteristics.