Material Planner

About Divergent

Divergent is a groundbreaking technology company that has engineered, invented, built, and commercialized the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). This end-to-end factory system leverages machine learning for optimal engineering, additive manufacturing, and flexible assembly of complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. DAPS-created products offer superior performance, lower costs, rapid customization for specific missions and customer needs, faster market entry, and scalable high-volume production. As a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, Divergent is now extending its capabilities to support mission-critical requirements in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join Divergent to be part of a transformative journey, shaping the future of technology and production.

Purpose of the Role

The Material Planner is integral to ensuring production readiness by meticulously planning material requirements, managing supply releases from blanket purchase orders, and overseeing material flow through vendors. This role demands close collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Procurement teams to guarantee the timely availability of materials, supporting stable and reliable production schedules.

Key Responsibilities of a Material Planner

Material Planning & Schedule Stabilization

• Develop and maintain comprehensive material plans to support production schedules effectively, minimizing potential delays.
• Release materials from blanket purchase agreements, aligning with demand signals, consumption trends, and established production schedules.
• Coordinate proactively with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries that uphold stable production plans.
• Manage the intricate flow of sub-components through various vendors to facilitate the delivery of end items according to the production schedule.
• Promptly resolve any material shortages, supplier delays, or quality issues to safeguard production schedules.
• Contribute actively to cost-reduction initiatives by enhancing planning accuracy and fostering cross-functional coordination.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and propose improvements that will bolster material flow and schedule reliability.

Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) & Impact Analysis

• Review Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) thoroughly to comprehend their implications on materials, Bill of Materials (BOM), and production processes.
• Conduct detailed impact analyses to assess inventory exposure, determine appropriate transition timing, and evaluate potential effects on production schedules.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Procurement to implement changes seamlessly, minimizing disruptions, avoiding unnecessary costs, and preventing obsolete inventory.

Supplier Collaboration (Operational vs. Strategic Split)

While Procurement manages strategic supplier relationships, including pricing, contracts, Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), and long-term performance, and ensures compliance with ITAR/EAR and DFARS regulations, the Material Planner focuses on operational execution. This includes:

• Releasing supply from blanket purchase orders.
• Confirming and diligently tracking delivery dates.
• Monitoring short-term supply risks vigilantly.
• Advising the Buyer of any identified shortages within the negotiated supply.
• Assisting in the development and preparation of vendor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Keeping leadership informed of any risks or opportunities that may impact the agreed-upon production schedule.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to US export controls and meet the definition of a US Person.
• Experience operating within an ITAR/DFAR regulated environment.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated ability to plan effectively into the future and execute established plans.
• Excellent exception management skills.
• Ability to thrive amidst ambiguity and condensed timelines.
• Strong analytical skills with the capability to extract and clearly communicate fact patterns impacting supply.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, and various ERP systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional group.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Business, and/or a Supply Chain-related major.
• 5+ years of relevant supply chain experience.
• Experience within the automotive industry.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Power BI.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion ERP.
• APICS Certification (CPIM, CSCP).

Work Environment & Compensation

This role encompasses both office and manufacturing floor environments, necessitating occasional interaction with production teams to address planning and operational needs. Minimal travel may be required for supplier or customer engagements and program launches.

The compensation for this Material Planner role at Divergent, evaluated at level S03, ranges from $81,900 to $112,610 USD annually.

What We Offer

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class package including competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonuses.
• Wellness and Time Off: Benefit from paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, a year-end shutdown, and paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Choose from HMO and Premium PPO health options, with company-sponsored life insurance and disability coverage.
• Investment in Growth: Access reimbursement opportunities for learning and development, fostering continuous skill enhancement.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join a dynamic, mission-driven team disrupting manufacturing through innovation and technology integration.

Key skills/competency

• Material Planning
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Scheduling
• Inventory Control
• Supplier Relationship Management
• ERP Systems
• ECO Management
• Analytical Skills
• ITAR/DFARS Compliance
• Cost Reduction