Material Planner

Founded in 1999, Access Laser is a leader in designing and manufacturing high-end CO2 lasers. We are a rapidly growing company, experiencing double-digit revenue growth in recent years. We provide leading-edge gas-discharge-excited laser technologies to global industries in the medical, semiconductor, electronic, manufacturing, and scientific development R&D markets. We focus on creative designs that match our customers’ applications and solve difficult problems with innovative solutions. We strive to provide a challenging and supportive environment where team members are encouraged to go beyond ordinary thinking and challenge the normal with the truly ingenious. Our team is our greatest asset and supporting their career development is the greatest investment we can make in our future.

In October 2017 we became a member of the TRUMPF Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of lasers and laser systems. Although we have retained the agility and flexibility of a small company, both our business and our employees now have access to new opportunities for growth.

Role Summary

The Material Planner ensures the right materials are available at the right time to support reliable production while avoiding excess inventory. This role connects forecasts, production schedules, suppliers, and inventory data to create a stable and predictable material plan.

You will work closely with production, purchasing, engineering, and inventory control to identify risks early and resolve potential shortages before they impact delivery. The position is designed for someone with strong analytical training who can learn quickly and grow into ownership of a complex planning environment.

This is a professional planning role focused on analysis and coordination — not a transactional purchasing position.

What You Will Own

Production Readiness

• Plan material requirements based on forecasts and production demand
• Monitor shortages and proactively resolve supply risks before they impact the schedule
• Coordinate with the Production Scheduler on material availability and constraints
• Support end-of-life and phase-in/phase-out transitions

Inventory Health

• Maintain appropriate stocking levels to balance availability and working capital
• Review safety stock and recommend adjustments
• Partner with Inventory Control on cycle counts and accuracy improvements
• Analyze usage history and demand trends to improve planning reliability

Supplier Coordination

• Work with Purchasing to communicate demand changes and delivery priorities
• Follow up on open purchase orders and expedite when needed
• Support supplier performance reviews and preferred supplier management
• Manage return-to-vendor material
• Process non-inventory purchase requisitions

Engineering & Product Changes

• Implement engineering changes into material planning and inventory strategy
• Support new product introduction with supplier readiness and initial stocking levels

Continuous Improvement

• Improve planning processes, reports, and procedures
• Identify root causes of shortages or excess inventory and implement corrective actions
• Participate in cross-functional improvement projects

What Success Looks Like

• Production rarely stops due to missing material
• Inventory levels remain stable and predictable
• Engineering changes transition smoothly with minimal scrap
• Suppliers understand priorities and respond quickly
• The production schedule becomes more reliable over time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related analytical program
• Relevant internship, co-op, or manufacturing experience is helpful but not required
• Strong Excel and data interpretation skills
• Ability to analyze information and make structured decisions
• Clear communicator who works well across departments
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Comfortable learning new systems and processes
• Adaptable in a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles preferred

Why Work for Us

At our core, we are an idea company, which is driving expansion and tremendous revenue growth. We are customer driven and design application specific products which fit the individual needs of our customers. This requires highly motivated and dedicated teams. You will have the opportunity to be innovative in your work as we are constantly evolving our products and solving new problems with our customers. We owe our success to our people. We take great pride in investing in our team and strive to continually grow and improve our company and culture.

We love what we do. Our goal is to go above and beyond for each other and our customers. Our teams are creative, smart and talented, which makes each project exciting. You will have plenty of guidance and support to help us continue moving our impactful technology to the next level.

TRUMPF, our parent company, shares the same core values, and supports both our team and our drive for continuous innovation in laser technology. We are proud to be part of one of the largest technology companies led by a woman.

Things We Love Here

• Opportunity to work in a brand new, state-of-the art facility.
• Great benefits including medical/dental/vision, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and 401K with a match
• Flexible spending account
• 17 days of PTO per year, and PTO increases with tenure
• Eight paid holidays
• We support learning and have educational assistance programs
• Fitness reimbursement
• All employees are eligible for profit sharing in addition to their base pay
• Strong commitment to COVID prevention for all employees
• Stocked kitchen with complimentary snacks
• Focus on work-life balance to promote success in and out of the workplace
• Family-oriented team events
• Free parking

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other classes protected by law.

We are committed to providing opportunities to all qualified individuals. If you need assistance completing our online application due to a physical or mental impairment, please email jobs@accesslaser.com or call 425-382-2217.