Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Job Title: Production Controls Engineer
Career Level From: Specialist
Career Level To: Senior Specialist
Job Specialty: Production Controls Engineering
What You'll Do
A Production Control Engineer plays a critical role in optimizing manufacturing operations and ensuring the efficient flow of production from raw materials to finished goods. This position is central to managing and streamlining key production planning and control functions. A Production Control Engineer is a strategic problem-solver, a data-driven decision-maker, and a collaborative leader who ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the manufacturing system. They are critical to bridging the gap between Engineering, Quality, Programs, Operations, and finished product delivery. Effective communication and strong teamwork skills are paramount to successfully coordinate efforts, share information, and resolve interdepartmental challenges.
The Production Control Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining detailed production scheduling process, taking into account material availability, machine capacity, labor resources, and customer demand to ensure on-time delivery and optimal resource utilization. They also analyze historical data, trends, and forecasts to accurately predict future demand, while managing inventory levels, work-in-progress, and finished goods to avoid production delays. This includes inventory analysis and close communications with the internal logistic team (material/components move) and shipping team (to customer).
A key aspect of the role involves identifying manufacturing process bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. It also involves the design and implementation of control systems to enhance production workflows, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency. They also work to maintain optimal throughput and product quality by proactively identifying and resolving production issues, which involves troubleshooting system malfunctions, process deviations, and other challenges that may impact production targets or quality standards. Ultimately, they act as a proactive problem-solver, consistently seeking innovative solutions to enhance production processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality, while driving continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven analysis and the implementation of best practices.
What You Can Expect
- Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
- Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
- Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
- Career advancement and professional development programs
- Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
Minimum Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering/physical science/information technology from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET discipline: Minimum 4 years of relevant experience
- OR Master's degree in engineering/physical science/information technology discipline: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
• 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor's degree
• 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master's degree
• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD
Preferred Job Requirements
- 3 - 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
- Program planning and production control experience
- Project management
- Demonstrated presentation skills
- Proficient in MS Office software with a focus in Excel (V-lookups, Pivot Tables, advanced formulas)
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong verbal, listening, and written communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to think critically, using logic and reasoning to identify solutions and approaches to problems
- Ability to cooperate with different departments in a positive manner
- Strong sense of urgency and ability to meet strong deadlines
