Lead Planner

Company: Pivotal
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market. Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in early 2026. Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us. We are seeking an experienced, proactive Lead Planner to lead production planning, master scheduling, and material coordination for complex AS9100-regulated aerospace manufacturing programs. This role is responsible for balancing demand, capacity, and material availability to ensure schedule integrity and on-time delivery across multiple product lines. The Lead Planner serves as a key cross-functional integrator, partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to translate approved demand and configuration-controlled BOMs into executable production plans. This role drives proactive risk identification, evaluates material and capacity constraints, and implements mitigation plans to protect customer and contractual delivery commitments. Responsibilities Develop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) and detailed build plans aligned with program demand, capacity constraints, and contractual delivery requirements Analyze and convert demand and forecast to executable activities (work orders) in ERP (EPICOR), build weekly and daily production schedules which result in production plans that minimize inventory investment, maximize productivity, and maximize customer service levels Ensure material availability and MRP integrity through close coordination with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Manufacturing Support production readiness reviews, rate readiness, and change impact assessments for new programs or ramping builds Maintain compliant production planning documentation to support AS9100 audits and internal quality requirements Provide clear communication of plan status, risks, and recovery actions to Operations, Program Management, and leadership Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy, material flow, and planning system effectiveness Work with internal and external customers, vendors, stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery Prepare clear-to-build, run-out reports to support cross-disciplinary decision-making Meet with the supervisors to provide a weekly manufacturing schedule, release jobs (work orders) and communicate production schedules daily / weekly and work with them to determine the best planning methods Keep the master production plan updated at all times, and publishes a summary with key figures (forecast, planned production, projected inventory) to all stakeholders. Qualifications Bachelor's degree specific to Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or Industrial Engineering preferred 5 years' experience or previous experience in manufacturing, automotive or aeronautic industry in a similar or related position in production control, planning, and scheduling in an electromechanical manufacturing environment (shop floor planning) Strong computer skills, expertise in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and ERP systems, EPICOR preferred APICS Certification in CPIM, or CSCP preferred Effective and creative problem-solver with strong initiative and excellent follow-through Develop and maintain procedures and work instructions to support master planning and scheduling Interface with sales, engineering, customer service, marketing, and manufacturing to resolve customer and facility build requirements Constantly maintain, evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements in material requirements planning (MRP) to drive down inventory levels. Preferred Qualifications Past experience in supply chain management in addition to shop floor planning experience Attributes aligned with Core Values Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment. Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose. Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good. Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level. Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress. Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate. Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA. Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans. Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Keywords: Pivotal, Watsonville , Lead Planner, Engineering , Palo Alto, California