Inventory & WIP Analyst

Description

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. 
• Dashboards and communication: Develop and maintain reports/dashboards (Excel and/or BI tools) and present actionable insights to operations and leadership. 

Supporting Responsibilities: 

• 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). 
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) related to material flow and inventory control. 

Required Qualifications:

• 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.). 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a production-driven environment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 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. 
• Experience supporting regulated industries (aerospace, medical, defense) and material traceability/cert environments. 

Skills & Competencies:

• 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 
• Able to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment 

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and shop-floor environment 
• PPE required on the production floor 
• Regular walking/standing on the shop floor; occasional lifting as needed 
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Compensation / Benefits:

• $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
• Educational aid program availability

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

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.