Inventory Coordinator

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Inventory Coordinator
Job Summary
The Production Inventory Coordinator is responsible for ensuring smooth, timely movement of materials, subassemblies, and finished goods between work centers and warehouses. This role acts as a Lean “water spider,” keeping production flowing by transporting materials, staging kits at work cells, and returning empties and completed items so operators can stay focused on value-added work while strictly adhering to safe work practices.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Material Transport and Internal Logistics
  • Transport materials, components, subassemblies, and finished goods between work centers, warehouses, and staging areas based on production priorities and work orders.
  • Move completed work from one cell to the next step in the process (e.g., assembly to test, test to pack, pack to finished goods storage).
  • Return empty containers, pallets, and carts from work cells to designated warehouse or supermarket locations.
  • Follow established material routes and schedules, promptly reporting issues that may delay production.

• Kitting and Staging for Work Cells
  • Assist with pulling and staging kits for production cells based on work orders, pick lists, or kanban signals.
  • Deliver staged kits to the correct work cells before the start of jobs or shifts to prevent delays.
  • Verify that kits appear complete and properly labeled; report obvious shortages or discrepancies to Inventory/Production.
  • Remove excess or unused materials from work cells and return them to inventory following established procedures.
• Inventory Control in Transit and at Line Side
  • Ensure materials transported between locations are properly labeled, protected, and tracked (job number, part number, quantity).
  • Perform basic checks to confirm that the correct material, quantity, and destination are used for each movement.
  • Communicate any observed inventory discrepancies, damaged materials, or mis-labeled items to the appropriate supervisor.
• Lean, 5S, and Material Flow Support
  • Maintain 5S standards on material routes, staging zones, and line-side material areas (organized, clean, clearly labeled).
  • Support kanban or min/max replenishment systems by collecting kanban cards or signals and returning them to the appropriate control point.
  • Suggest improvements to container types, route layouts, and staging methods to reduce handling, walking, and delays.
• Documentation, Communication, and Safety
  • Record required material movements (issues, transfers, returns) in the ERP or inventory system where applicable.
  • Communicate material shortages, delays, and priority changes to production leads and inventory/warehouse staff.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies and safe work practices, including proper lifting techniques, use of PPE, and safe operation of carts and other non-powered handling equipment.
  • Keep aisles, walkways, and loading areas clear, immediately reporting any safety hazards.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Education
  • High school diploma or GED required
• Experience
  • Experience in a production, warehouse, or logistics environment preferred.
  • Familiarity with internal material flow, manufacturing routes, or work orders is a plus.

• Technical Skills
  • Basic ability to read work orders, part labels, and routing or staging instructions.
  • Familiarity with ERP or inventory systems for simple material transactions is preferred.
  • Ability to safely use manual material handling tools (carts, pallet jacks if applicable; no forklift required).
• Soft Skills
  • Strong attention to detail to ensure correct material, quantity, and destination.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting multiple departments and work centers.
  • Good communication skills to coordinate with production, inventory, and warehouse teams.
  • Strong sense of urgency and service mindset toward keeping production running smoothly.
  • Reliability and consistency in following standard work and safety procedures.
• Working Conditions
  • Work performed across production floor, warehouses, and staging areas.
  • Frequent walking and movement between locations throughout the shift.
  • Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required based on production needs.
• Physical Demands
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds using proper body mechanics and safe work practices.
  • Ability to push and pull carts and other manual handling equipment safely and effectively.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.