Manufacturing Program Planner (NPI / Production Launch)

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. Purpose The Manufacturing Program Planner (NPI / Production Launch) works closely with Project Managers (PMs), engineering, and product development teams to build and maintain program schedules from the proposal stage through part release and production launch. The role ensures that design, release, and supply‑chain activities are synchronized so that parts reach production on time and operations are fully prepared for successful volume build. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, hands-on, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving environment. We value leadership skills and those who conduct all activities with the highest integrity. The Role Partner with PMO and engineering during the proposal phase to develop detailed schedules (including design and release milestones). Continuously update the schedule as design progresses and communicate changes to all stakeholders. Monitor real‑time progress against the schedule, flag variances, and work with engineering leads to implement corrective actions that keep part release on‑time. Align with production/operations as parts move through design and release, ensuring tooling, fixtures, work‑centers, and staffing are prepared for first‑article and volume production. Maintain and/or collaborate with data teams for the development of tools necessary to professionally report out on status and health of relevant programs Identify all hardware, COTS (Commercial‑Off‑The‑Shelf) items, and outsourced processes needed for the program. Drive purchase‑order creation, lead‑time management, and on‑time‑to‑stock delivery of these components. Participate in Sales Operations Planning (SOP) meetings to ensure demand, supply, and production plans are synchronized across sales, engineering, and manufacturing. Identify gaps in the scheduling or supply‑chain processes, propose enhancements, and apply lessons‑learned to future programs. Other duties as required to achieve 99% on-time delivery. Basic Qualifications Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls A proven, progressing track record in planning, operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, or consulting Experience using Microsoft Office Solid interpersonal skills, motivated self-starter who can manage personal workload and execution to tight schedule Experience interfacing with engineering and manufacturing groups to understand system designs and the associated constraints Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience in a start-up, consulting, or similar high-growth, fast-paced, rapidly changing environment Ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences for stakeholders internal and external to the organization Collaborated successfully in a team environment to ensure cross-functional requirements are met Advanced Excel skills Strong communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills Work Environment This role is based onsite in our Torrance, CA headquarters. Compensation At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at l ... (truncated, view full listing at source)