Inventory & WIP Analyst
1 month ago
Tualatin
Job DescriptionDescription: Ascentec Engineering is hiring! We are seeking a detail-oriented, data-driven Inventory & WIP Analyst to improve inventory accuracy and optimize inventory levels in a high-mix, high-precision CNC machine shop environment. This role owns key inventory controls (transactions, cycle counts, discrepancy resolution), analyzes inventory and WIP health (turns, aging, excess/obsolete), and partners cross-functionally to ensure the right material is on-hand and on-order—without tying up cash in unnecessary inventory. Success in this role is measured by improved inventory record accuracy, reduced WIP aging, fewer shortages/expedites, and reduced excess/obsolete inventory. This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) at our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. It is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship. Requirements: Core Responsibilities: • Inventory accuracy ownership: Maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP/MRP system for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; ensure timely and correct transactions (receipts, issues, moves, job close, scrap)., • Cycle count program: Plan and execute cycle counts (ABC methodology), reconcile variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence., • Discrepancy investigation: Research inventory variances and WIP discrepancies (UOM errors, BOM/route issues, transaction timing, scrap reporting, location control, receiving/inspection holds) and drive resolution with responsible teams., • Inventory health analytics: Monitor and report key metrics including inventory turns, aging, shortages/stockouts, WIP aging, and excess/obsolete inventory; recommend actions to improve performance and cash flow., • On-order / replenishment optimization: Partner with Purchasing and Scheduling/Production Control to review open POs and planning signals; recommend expedites, de-expedites, cancellations, or reschedules based on demand, capacity, and lead times., • Planning parameter maintenance: Support continuous improvement of min/max, reorder points, safety stock, lead times, lot sizes/EOQ, and other planning settings to balance service levels and inventory investment., • WIP reduction: Analyze production flow and WIP queues; identify bottlenecks and drivers of WIP aging; recommend practical changes to reduce dwell time and improve throughput., • Support physical inventory and audit activities; ensure compliance with applicable quality systems (ISO/AS9100 if applicable)., • Collaborate with Engineering/Manufacturing to improve BOM/route accuracy and material usage standards that impact inventory and WIP., • Track slow-moving inventory and recommend disposition strategies (return to supplier, rework/repurpose, scrap, or sale)., • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field or equivalent experience., • 2+ years of experience in inventory analysis, materials planning, production control, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment (job shop/discrete manufacturing strongly preferred)., • Working knowledge of inventory control concepts: cycle counting, safety stock, reorder points/min-max, lead times, excess/obsolete management., • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data cleanup/analysis) and comfort working with large datasets., • Experience using ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, JobBOSS, etc.)., • Experience in a CNC machine shop, job shop, or high-mix precision manufacturing., • Familiarity with Lean / continuous improvement tools; Six Sigma exposure a plus., • Understanding of cost accounting and how inventory impacts financial performance (valuation, reserves, carrying cost)., • APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)., • Experience with metal materials (aluminum, steel, titanium, specialty alloys), tooling, and consumables., • High attention to detail; disciplined about data integrity and process adherence, • Analytical thinking: translates data into practical recommendations, • Strong follow-through: drives issues to root cause and corrective action, • Comfortable working on the shop floor and partnering with hourly and salaried teams, • Combination of office and shop-floor environment, • PPE required on the production floor, • Regular walking/standing on the shop floor; occasional lifting as needed, • $60,000 to $85,000 per year DOE, • Paid time off / Holiday pay, • Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, • Short- and long-term disability coverage, • 401(k) with matching funds, • Profit sharing eligibility ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.