Production Planner

About Nearfield Instruments

Nearfield Instruments (NFI) is a fast-growing scale-up high-tech company. We design, develop, integrate, market and service advanced metrology machines. Our machines enable our customers - the world’s leading chipmakers – to increase the production yields, and thus, functionality of their microchips, which in turn leads to smaller, more powerful consumer electronics.

Founded in 2016, we bring together the most creative minds (approx. 250 employees) in science and technology and develop a one-of-a-kind, revolutionary high throughput Scanning Probe Microscopy system.

Where will you be working

You will be working in the Production Operations department. Within this department you are part of the System Integration team (around 30 colleagues) with focus on the system integration, testing and validation of our metrology machine. 

What will you be doing?

The Production Planner plays a critical role in coordinating and optimizing the production processes within the semiconductor industry and ensures a smooth production process in a rapidly scale up environment.  

This position involves overseeing the scheduling, planning, and coordination of manufacturing activities to ensure timely delivery of high-quality semiconductor products. Drive high-tech innovation as a Production Planner at a critical scale-up stage for a key part of our advanced metrology machines, the MAFM (Mini Atomic Force Microscopy).

The Production Planner collaborates closely with various departments to meet production targets and customer requirements. 

Responsibilities include:

• Production Scheduling: develop and maintain production schedules based on customer orders, production capacity, and inventory levels. Ensure alignment with production goals and deadlines. Liaise with manufacturing teams to communicate production schedules, priorities, and any changes or updates.

• Capacity Planning: analyze production capacity and constraints to optimize resource utilization and minimize production downtime. Identify potential bottlenecks and propose solutions to enhance efficiency.  

• Inventory Management: monitor inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods. Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure adequate inventory levels while minimizing excess stock and carrying costs.  

• Continuous Improvement: identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements in production planning and scheduling. Implement best practices and participate in cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous improvement.  

Why is the position interesting for you?

• Impact on Cutting-Edge Technology
  You’ll play a key role in enabling the production of advanced metrology machines (MAFM), which are vital in semiconductor innovation.

• High-Responsibility Role in a Fast-Scaling Environment
  The position sits at the heart of a rapidly growing scale-up, offering both complexity and influence within a critical phase of business growth.

• Cross-Functional Influence with End-to-End Ownership
  From scheduling and capacity planning to inventory control and continuous improvement, you’ll have full-spectrum responsibility and collaborate across departments to shape production success.

What are we looking for?

Startups can provide phenomenal learning and development opportunities but can also be a hectic environment at times. You must fit in such a climate and don’t mind to constantly implementing changes and process improvements, and to go the extra mile on a regular basis and feel comfortable with some uncertainty.

Furthermore, you need to recognize yourself in the profile as described below.

• Education background, at Bachelor or Master level in relevant field, including technical studies, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration

• You bring solid planning experience and can operate independently in a comparable role.

• Having worked for companies building high-tech equipment or other complex machinery manufacturing

• Strong analytical thinking skills

• You stay cool under pressure, adapt fast, and know how to set the right priorities in a challenging and dynamic setting.

What can you expect from us?

Getting on board now is a great opportunity to grow with the company from a technical, personal, and financial perspective. Nearfield's momentum is energetic and promising!

Our starting point is of course to pay someone a fair and competitive salary and besides this we offer you:

• 30 holidays per calendar year (based on 40 hours);

• 8% holiday allowance;

• Commuting allowance;

• Discount on your health insurance;

• We are here to support one another, and colleagues are there to help you.

• Besides a challenging role where you can utilize the full extent of your professional knowledge.