If you have any questions about this job opening, please contact me at robert.vandenouwelant@headfirst.nl.

Work Preparer | 40 hours | Oegstgeest | Aviation/Space sector | Production/Engineering | Start date: ASAP | Long-term assignment | Extension: to be discussed | Hybrid work possible | Direct hire (no freelancers)

Applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis until the right candidate has been selected. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Start date: As soon as possible
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Oegstgeest (hybrid work possible, but on-site presence preferred)
Duration: Fixed-term contract for 12 months

Company description

At Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, we work at the cutting edge of technology in one of the most challenging and rapidly changing industries in the world: space. Our products and services—including solar arrays, launcher structures, instruments, and optical communication—enable missions that are vital to everyday life on Earth, such as satellite navigation, communications, climate research, and air quality monitoring.

At our state-of-the-art facilities, a team of over 200 dedicated professionals works on the design, development, assembly, testing, and delivery of space products and services. We combine engineering excellence, creative problem-solving, and close collaboration within an international community.

About the role

For the Industrialization & AIT department, we are looking for a Work Planner. In this role, you will ensure the integrated planning of activities within the AIT department, including the allocation of personnel and facilities for assigned orders.

You will prepare projects by coordinating the necessary materials, tools, equipment, logistics, and work instructions before production and integration activities begin. You will also monitor planning progress, identify bottlenecks, and contribute to continuous improvement and digitalization initiatives.

You will report hierarchically to the Head of AIT and work operationally with AIT Managers and Team Leaders. You will collaborate closely with colleagues from Production, Engineering, PMO, Procurement, and Logistics.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Work Preparer, you will:

• Develop and maintain high-level, long-term, and detailed plans for production and integration activities.
• Monitor work orders, lead times, personnel allocation, and facility utilization.
• Adjust plans when circumstances change and coordinate the impact with relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate planning methodologies and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Identify bottlenecks and launch continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate the availability of the necessary materials, tools, and equipment.
• Transfer stock materials to meet project requirements within the MRP system.
• Create purchase requests at the request of AIT Managers or Team Leaders.
• Maintain administrative records and KPI reports.
• Perform second-line troubleshooting of machines and tools, including simple hardware and software adjustments.
• Review technical drawings and documentation.
• Prepare work instructions and procedures for assembly and testing activities.
• Create detailed job descriptions and process project completion notifications.
• Prepare the necessary logistical and shipping documentation.
• Support digital improvement processes within the department.

Your profile

You are an organized and analytical professional who enjoys planning, coordinating, and improving processes in a technical production environment. You communicate effectively with various stakeholders and take the initiative to ensure that activities are prepared and carried out efficiently.

You bring:

• MBO+ level of work and thinking.
• Experience in work preparation, production planning, manufacturing, or a comparable technical environment.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• A proactive, results-oriented, and customer-focused approach.
• Experience with planning methodologies and administrative processes.
• Experience with MRP systems; experience with SAP is a plus.
• The ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Basic technical troubleshooting skills related to machines, tools, and hardware/software.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Good command of English; Dutch is a plus.

What we offer

• A challenging role within a leading aerospace organization.
• Involvement in innovative and technically complex space projects.
• An international and multidisciplinary work environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement and digitalization.
• Opportunities for long-term collaboration.

If you have any questions about this job opening, please contact me at robert.vandenouwelant@headfirst.nl.