Senior Capacity Planner — Optics Operations, Hybrid

The application window is expected to close on: 10/16/2026 The preferred location for this position is Maynard, MA, operating under a hybrid work model, though we are open to flexible, US-based hybrid arrangements for the right candidate. Meet the Team Our Optics Operations team powers the next generation of global connectivity by bridging high-velocity product demand with world-class manufacturing execution. As a cornerstone of our global supply chain and high-speed infrastructure, we ensure cutting-edge optical technologies are delivered reliably, efficiently, and at scale to data centers worldwide. We are a collaborative, data-driven group of engineers, planners, and analysts who thrive on solving complex operational puzzles in an agile and supportive environment. What makes our team exciting is our focus on innovation—we actively integrate advanced AI, predictive modeling, and intelligent automation to redefine manufacturing planning excellence.  Your Impact As a Capacity Planner Analyst, you will play a critical role in scaling our manufacturing operations by aligning facility throughput with business demand. You will use data modeling, predictive analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize equipment utilization, resolve production bottlenecks, and ensure operational excellence across our optics facilities. Key Responsibilities: Analyze complex production schedules to determine capacity requirements and identify potential gaps between demand and supply. Monitor equipment utilization rates and conduct performance evaluations to recommend optimization strategies for production lines. Collaborate with production managers and supply chain teams to align master production schedules with real-time operational capacity. Perform root-cause analysis on production bottlenecks and provide actionable recommendations to improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). Develop and maintain capacity models that account for maintenance schedules, shift patterns, and demand fluctuations. Prepare regular reports and dashboards for leadership detailing capacity utilization, equipment performance, and resource efficiency. Participate in cross-functional planning meetings to validate the feasibility of new production initiatives and product launches. Partner with Module Planners and Material Planners to integrate equipment capacity models with Clear-to-Build (CTB) material availability, identifying whether factory throughput is machine-constrained or supply-gated. Minimum Qualifications 7+ years of professional experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or supply chain analysis, including a minimum of 4+ years directly focused on capacity planning, production scheduling, or equipment utilization modeling. Proven experience developing equipment capacity models and executing what-if scenario analyses to evaluate machine constraints, cycle times, throughput tradeoffs, and line balancing. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for quantitative modeling, multi-variable scenario analysis, dynamic arrays/XLOOKUP, Power Query, and complex data modeling. Demonstrated hands-on experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) (such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) to extract, analyze, and manage production and scheduling data. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean methodology, and throughput metrics. Preferred Qualifications Professional certification such as CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional). Experience utilizing data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to track operational performance. Prior experience in a high-volume, multi-shift manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of SQL or other database management tools for data extraction and manipulation. Proven track record of leading process improvement projects that resulted in measurable increases in production output. Familiarity with optical transceiver manufacturing, semiconductor packaging, cleanroom environments, or specialized test/burn-in chamber capacity dynamics Experience or strong interest in utilizing Generative AI tools, intelligent automation, or predictive analytics to enhance scenario planning and automate operational reporting Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.  We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.  Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: The starting salary range posted for this position is $119,200.00 to $156,400.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process. U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan elig