OPT Production Scheduler Jobs
Production Scheduler jobs on OPT involve coordinating manufacturing timelines, managing inventory flow, and aligning production output with demand forecasts. Most roles require a degree in supply chain, industrial engineering, or operations management. Your 12-month OPT period is sufficient for most contract-to-hire tracks, and STEM OPT extension applies if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
This position requires onsite presence daily at our Waukegan, IL office.
SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced Production Planner / Scheduler / Analyst to manage production schedules for complex assemblies, many of which involve long lead-time components and multi-level bills of material. In this role, you will develop and maintain production schedules, monitor material availability, coordinate with procurement and production teams, and use data analysis to proactively identify and resolve scheduling risks. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in ERP systems, thinks several steps ahead on constrained materials, and can balance competing priorities across complex build schedules.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties as assigned.
- Develop, maintain, and adjust production schedules for complex, multi-level assemblies based on customer demand, capacity, and material availability.
- Monitor and manage schedules around long lead-time parts, proactively flagging risks to on-time delivery.
- Analyze material requirements (MRP) and coordinate with purchasing/procurement to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials.
- Build and maintain accurate bills of material (BOMs), routings, and work orders within the ERP system.
- Run and interpret MRP/capacity planning reports; adjust schedules based on shifting priorities, engineering changes, or supply disruptions.
- Collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and procurement teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and material shortages.
- Track work order status and production progress; report on schedule adherence, backlog, and key performance metrics.
- Identify bottlenecks and constraints in the production schedule and recommend corrective actions.
- Support sales and operations planning (S&OP) by providing capacity and lead-time analysis.
- Maintain data integrity within the ERP system, including item master data, lead times, and BOM accuracy.
- Generate reports and dashboards to communicate schedule status, risks, and performance to leadership.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and inventory/material flow.
- Assist in developing and refining planning processes, tools, and best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 3+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or materials analysis, ideally in an aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ERP system mastery (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, or similar) – must be highly proficient in MRP, BOM management, and work order processing.
- Strong experience managing schedules involving long lead-time and constrained materials.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis); experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make schedule-driving decisions.
- Experience working in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 certified environment strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and material flow for complex assemblies.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills; able to clearly convey schedule risks and priorities across departments.
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) a plus.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
BENEFITS
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additional benefits include disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and voluntary programs such as life/AD&D, critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Save for the Future – Astronics provides a 401(k), Profit Sharing, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan is a safe harbor plan, with a company contribution of 3% of eligible wages and the potential for an annual discretionary addition.
- Find Balance – Programs designed to support overall wellbeing including an Employee Assistance Program, wellness initiatives, and a culture that values healthy work/life balance.
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave to ensure time for rest, family, and personal pursuits.
- Professional Growth – Tuition Reimbursement Program to support ongoing education and development.
INTRODUCTION
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
This position requires onsite presence daily at our Waukegan, IL office.
SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced Production Planner / Scheduler / Analyst to manage production schedules for complex assemblies, many of which involve long lead-time components and multi-level bills of material. In this role, you will develop and maintain production schedules, monitor material availability, coordinate with procurement and production teams, and use data analysis to proactively identify and resolve scheduling risks. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in ERP systems, thinks several steps ahead on constrained materials, and can balance competing priorities across complex build schedules.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties as assigned.
- Develop, maintain, and adjust production schedules for complex, multi-level assemblies based on customer demand, capacity, and material availability.
- Monitor and manage schedules around long lead-time parts, proactively flagging risks to on-time delivery.
- Analyze material requirements (MRP) and coordinate with purchasing/procurement to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials.
- Build and maintain accurate bills of material (BOMs), routings, and work orders within the ERP system.
- Run and interpret MRP/capacity planning reports; adjust schedules based on shifting priorities, engineering changes, or supply disruptions.
- Collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and procurement teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and material shortages.
- Track work order status and production progress; report on schedule adherence, backlog, and key performance metrics.
- Identify bottlenecks and constraints in the production schedule and recommend corrective actions.
- Support sales and operations planning (S&OP) by providing capacity and lead-time analysis.
- Maintain data integrity within the ERP system, including item master data, lead times, and BOM accuracy.
- Generate reports and dashboards to communicate schedule status, risks, and performance to leadership.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and inventory/material flow.
- Assist in developing and refining planning processes, tools, and best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 3+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or materials analysis, ideally in an aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ERP system mastery (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, or similar) – must be highly proficient in MRP, BOM management, and work order processing.
- Strong experience managing schedules involving long lead-time and constrained materials.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis); experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make schedule-driving decisions.
- Experience working in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 certified environment strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and material flow for complex assemblies.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills; able to clearly convey schedule risks and priorities across departments.
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) a plus.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
BENEFITS
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additional benefits include disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and voluntary programs such as life/AD&D, critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Save for the Future – Astronics provides a 401(k), Profit Sharing, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan is a safe harbor plan, with a company contribution of 3% of eligible wages and the potential for an annual discretionary addition.
- Find Balance – Programs designed to support overall wellbeing including an Employee Assistance Program, wellness initiatives, and a culture that values healthy work/life balance.
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave to ensure time for rest, family, and personal pursuits.
- Professional Growth – Tuition Reimbursement Program to support ongoing education and development.
See all OPT Production Scheduler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Production Scheduler Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Production Scheduler
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods regularly hire international students for scheduling roles. Companies with existing OPT hires already understand work authorization timelines and are less likely to pass on a strong candidate over status concerns.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Industrial engineering, supply chain management, and operations research degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verifying this before interviews lets you tell employers you have up to three years of work authorization, which significantly reduces their sponsorship urgency.
Lead with ERP and scheduling software proficiency
Employers screening Production Scheduler candidates prioritize hands-on experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems. Listing specific modules you have used, such as SAP PP or Oracle SCM, helps hiring managers see you as immediately productive rather than a training investment.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in cover letters
Briefly stating your authorization period and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter removes ambiguity early. Hiring managers unfamiliar with OPT often assume international candidates require immediate H-1B visa sponsorship, so a clear one-sentence explanation prevents unnecessary rejections before the interview stage.
Focus on supply chain roles at companies that sponsor H-1B visas
Production Scheduler positions at companies with a history of H-1B filings in operations and logistics are your best long-term option. Reviewing public H-1B disclosure data for job titles like Production Planner or Supply Chain Analyst helps you identify employers likely to sponsor after OPT.
Quantify scheduling outcomes on your resume
Hiring managers for these roles respond to measurable results. Citing specific improvements in on-time delivery rates, reduction in production downtime, or inventory accuracy from internships or academic projects makes your resume stand out against candidates with similar academic backgrounds.
Production Scheduler OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Production Scheduler on OPT?
Yes, Production Scheduler roles are eligible for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree. Degrees in industrial engineering, supply chain management, operations research, or manufacturing engineering all have a clear connection to this role. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you may also be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Does Production Scheduler work qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree, not the job title. If your degree is in industrial engineering, supply chain management, operations research, or a closely related STEM field, the work you perform as a Production Scheduler will generally satisfy the STEM OPT extension requirements. You must also work at least 20 hours per week and have a qualifying employer who submits a formal training plan through your DSO.
Do employers in manufacturing typically sponsor OPT students for Production Scheduler roles?
Many do, particularly larger manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. These industries have long-standing relationships with university hiring programs and are accustomed to onboarding international students. Smaller manufacturers may be less familiar with OPT but often open to it once the process is explained. Migrate Mate lists Production Scheduler jobs filtered for OPT-friendly employers, so you can focus your search on companies already open to your status.
What happens to my Production Scheduler job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges the gap between OPT expiration and the H-1B start date of October 1. This extension is automatic and allows you to continue working without interruption. Your DSO can confirm your specific cap-gap status based on your I-20 and the petition filing date.
How do I find Production Scheduler jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Standard job searches often do not filter for OPT eligibility, which wastes significant time. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Production Scheduler roles at employers who are open to international candidates with work authorization. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility on Migrate Mate also helps you identify roles where employers are likely to support the extension or eventual H-1B sponsorship.