Senior Manufacturing Planning Engineer

Job Description

Description:

Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Planning Engineer is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates for manufacturing projects, ensuring alignment between production capabilities, customer requirements, and budget targets. The role acts as the bridge between product design, manufacturing, supply chain, and sales, translating engineering requirements into practical and executable production plans. This role works closely with engineering, procurement, and production teams to analyze technical drawings, specifications, and process requirements to determine labor, material, and overhead costs. The position plays a key role in supporting customer RFQs, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring profitability. This position reports to the Engineering Manager.

Functions

Cost Estimation & Resource Management

Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to determine material, labor, and equipment requirements.

Develop detailed cost breakdowns for parts, assemblies, and full production runs.

Calculate overhead and indirect costs to ensure accurate total project pricing.

Conduct capacity analysis to ensure sufficient equipment, labor, and material resources.

Support make-or-buy decisions based on cost, capacity, and strategic factors.

Identify and resolve production bottlenecks and workflow inefficiencies.

Manufacturing Planning

Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to define optimal production processes and workflows.

Translate engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs into manufacturing plans and work instructions

Identify the most cost-effective manufacturing methods without compromising quality or safety.

Determine lead times based on material availability, machine capacity, and labor requirements.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Maintain and update cost databases, material pricing, and labor rate information.

Track key manufacturing metrics such as cycle time, throughput, yield, and downtime.

Analyze historical data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvements.

Prepare and present cost estimation reports for management review and operational improvements.

Collaboration & Communication

Partner with sales and business development to support customer RFQs

Partner with product design, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability and cost efficiency.

Work closely with procurement to obtain supplier quotes and validate material costs.

Plan with procurement, inventory control and production teams to align material availability and manufacturing timelines

Coordinate with quality assurance to factor compliance and inspection requirements into cost estimates.

Competencies

· Teamwork

· Communication

· Detail Orientated

· Problem Solving

· Data Analysis

· Self-Motivated

· Analytical & Mathematical Skills

· Understand and implement Drake Driven Core Values into everyday work habits.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Requirements:

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position that regularly requires at least 40 hours per week.

Education and Experience Requirements

· Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

· 5+ years of experience in manufacturing (machined components) cost estimation, production planning, manufacturing engineering or related role.

· Knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly, etc.)

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems and cost estimation software preferred.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Benefits:

401(k) with match

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Disability

FSA

Paid Time Off

Full-time