Production Control Specialist/Material Specialist

Position Summary

The Production Control Specialist/Material Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the right materials are available at the right time to support engineering and prototype build activities. While build schedules and priorities are defined by Lab Managers or Engineering Program Managers, this role focuses on material readiness, BOM validation, part tracking, and kitting coordination to enable successful execution of early-phase hardware builds. This is a hands-on, detail-focused role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments and can proactively align material planning with dynamic engineering needs and changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Planning & Readiness

1. Interpret engineering BOMs and build plans issued by Lab Managers and Engineering Program Managers.
2. Validate material availability, procurement status, and lead times to support upcoming builds.
3. Identify long-lead items and initiate early planning to mitigate risks of shortages or delays.
4. Monitor material readiness at the line item level across multiple prototype builds.

• BOM Analysis & Configuration Management
  1. Validate BOM accuracy, including alternates, deviations.
  2. Ensure BOM configurations are released and aligned with ECOs and build requirements.

• Procurement Coordination

1. Collaborate closely with GSMs and Logistics teams to track part deliveries.
2. Follow up on outstanding purchase orders, expedite critical materials, and communicate risk items.
3. Manage demand signals for one-off, low-volume, or specialty prototype parts.
   
   

• Inventory & Material Tracking

1. Monitor raw materials, incoming shipments, and warehouse allocations to confirm build readiness and avoid shortages.
2. Track parts across internal inventory systems, labs, staging areas.
3. Flag shortages, discrepancies, and material issues to Lab Managers and Engineers in real-time. Resolve part shortages, misallocations, and production holds by coordinating corrective actions.

• Kitting & Line Support

1. Support the coordination of kitting activities based on the lab’s build plan and technician needs. Create and manage prototype pick orders in SAP.
2. Create and update kitting lists or pull sheets; ensure kits are staged and labeled accurately.
3. Respond quickly to technician requests for material pulls, replacements, or rework components.

• Reporting & Issue Escalation

1. Maintain clear and timely visibility of material status via Smartsheet trackers, Excel logs, or dashboards.
2. Communicate critical shortages, material risks, and procurement blockers to stakeholders daily.
3. Participate in prototype readiness meetings and provide updates on material status per build.

• Change Control Support

1. Follow up Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and deviations that impact materials.
2. Ensure updated parts are ordered, staged, and tracked appropriately.
3. Maintain documentation of part swaps, substitutions, and rework to support traceability.

Required Qualifications

• Education
  1. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
  2. Equivalent experience in prototype operations or material control may be considered.

• Experience
  1. 2–5 years of experience in production control, material planning, or inventory coordination.
  2. Prior experience supporting prototype, massive production, or engineering builds is strongly preferred.

• Technical Skills

1. Proficiency with SAP.
2. Strong Excel or Smartsheet skills for data management.

• Preferred Experience
  1. Supporting Alpha, Beta, DV/PV builds in a cross-functional hardware development environment.
  2. Knowledge of part lifecycles, BOM structures, alternates, and supply constraints in prototype environments.
  3. Previous experience with NPI, or R&D support operations.

Why This Role Matters

Prototype builds are where innovation takes physical form. As an Production Control Specialist(or Material Specialist), your ability to plan and secure materials determines whether engineering ideas make it to the lab floor — and ultimately into product launches. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for those who love to solve problems and keep things moving.