Master Scheduler

About Quantum Design

For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Established in 1982, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterization systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities. QD instruments are found in the world's leading research institutions and have become the reference standard for a variety of magnetic and physical property measurements.

Job Description:

The Opportunity 

As Master Scheduler, you will be responsible for all production planning activities across multiple product lines in a semi-custom, build-to-order manufacturing environment. This role translates customer demand forecasts into executable production plans that balance delivery commitments, inventory targets, resource availability, and operational objectives.

Working closely with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, key suppliers, and international manufacturing partners, the Master Scheduler will develop and maintain the master production schedule, establish inventory and build plans, and ensure the organization can meet customer requirements while optimizing manufacturing efficiency and lead times. As manufacturing operations continue to become more global, this role will collaborate with teams across Europe and Asia, requiring flexibility to work across multiple time zones and coordinate planning activities with international stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, collaborative, and comfortable adapting plans in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities 

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule for all product lines.
• Convert customer demand, forecasts, and business objectives into actionable production plans.
• Establish and build plans and inventory strategies that support customer delivery requirements and business goals.
• Open, schedule, and reschedule manufacturing jobs based on changing priorities, material availability, and resource constraints.
• Maintain production forecasts and adjust plans to support changing customer and operational requirements.

Inventory & Material Planning

• Manage inventory targets, safety stock levels, and overall inventory strategies.
• Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer commitments.
• Review bills of material (BOMs) to verify manufacturability and support production planning requirements.
• Partner with Purchasing and Suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and components.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales to understand customer demand and communicate production schedules.
• Partner with Engineering on new product introductions and planning requirements.
• Work closely with Purchasing to communicate material requirements and support supply continuity.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure production plans align with manufacturing capacity and business priorities.

Forecasting & Scenario Planning

• Support demand planning and forecasting activities.
• Perform scenario planning and capacity assessments based on management inputs and business requirements.
• Evaluate production risks and develop alternative plans to mitigate supply, material, or resource constraints.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor schedule performance, inventory levels, and delivery metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
• Support ERP/MRP system utilization and planning process optimization initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, operations management, engineering, or a related field
• Five years of production planning, scheduling, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience developing and managing master production schedules in a build-to-order or make-to-order environment
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, capacity planning, and material requirements planning (MRP)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or related certification
• Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI)
• Knowledge of inventory optimization and supply chain best practices
• Experience working within a multi-product, semi-custom manufacturing environment

Additional Information 

• This position’s work mode is 100% onsite. The employee will report to our facility in San Diego, CA five days a week
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $107,000
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, employee assistance program, and other company-sponsored benefits

Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any protected group.