Demand Planner

About Us

Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments.

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority.

The Role

The Supply Chain team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Demand Planner to join our growing organization. We are responsible for material planning, sourcing and procuring raw materials to support both New Product Introduction (NPI) and Production, while iterating and manufacturing our various fleets of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs). This role is ideal for a self-starting, analytical professional with MRP expertise and a strategic mindset. You will work closely with the Production Control team to provide accurate Clear-to-Build dates and be responsible for loading and maintaining the Master Production Schedule (MPS) into the MRP system. You will own the process of generating and validating buy/build signals to drive Procurement and Production execution. The successful candidate will also drive inventory planning accuracy using MRPSpeed (ERP) and associated tools to support Saildrone’s operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Production Control to ensure Clear-to-Build dates for each SKU are current and reflected accurately in the MPS; thereafter, load and maintain the Master Production Schedule weekly in the ERP system, update it real time as priorities shift.
• Translate MRP demand and supply needs into actionable plans aligned with production goals.
• Plan material requirements across multiple demand sources including production, fleet services, engineering, refurbishment, and internal shops.
• Collaborate with Global Supply Chain Managers, Buyers, and Logistics to ensure on-time availability of materials.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to address demand/supply alignment, part readiness, and schedule impact.
• Monitor and adjust min-max inventory levels, safety stock, and lead times based on historical consumption and forecast variability.
• Analyze supply gaps, shortages, or planning exceptions and work cross-functionally to resolve.
• Support implementation and optimization of ERP (MRPSpeed) to control material flow and reduce shortages.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Fleet, Quality, and NPI on Engineering Change Order (ECO) timing and impact. Must be able to read BOMs.
• Analyze part drawings and step files for custom parts and understand how drawings flow through the PLM system.
• Identify and communicate material or supply disruptions, working with stakeholders to resolve issues proactively
• Attend NPI ECO meetings and integrate Initial Stocking Quantities and spare parts into production plans
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve planning processes and inventory management
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, Demand Planning or Production Planning
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and master scheduling principles
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detailed-oriented with a data-driven approach to planning
• Familiarity with electronic components, PCBAs, fabricated parts, harnesses, and sensors
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, NetSuite, or SAP (modules including WIP, Inventory and Planning)
• Ability to analyze large datasets and generate actionable insights
• Comfortable navigating PLM systems and understanding part release processes

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting both NPI and Production environments
• Proven track record building efficient, scalable planning processes
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
  

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices. Must be comfortable in a manufacturing environment.
  

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

Benefits:

• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
• Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Stock Options
• Annual stipend for continued learning and development
• Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
• Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
• Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations
• Dog-friendly work environment

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London

Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News

Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border

Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.

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