About AOI

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and HFC networking products — the building blocks that power AI datacenters, CATV broadband, telecom, and fiber access networks around the world. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, AOI is a vertically integrated company that designs and manufactures everything from semiconductor laser chips to finished optical transceivers, serving tier-one customers across cloud computing, broadband, and telecom. With R&D operations in Atlanta, GA and global manufacturing presence in Taiwan and China, AOI is publicly traded on the Nasdaq (AAOI) and is actively expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing operations in Sugar Land to meet accelerating demand in the AI datacenter market.

Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Planner to oversee daily material movements and maintain accurate inventory control. This role is responsible for processing all material transactions—ranging from purchases and production work order returns to internal issues and receipts. The Inventory Planner will safeguard inventory assets, ensuring proper handling, storage, and documentation. Additionally, this position will support the department manager in coordinating training and other operational activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the issuing and receiving of all material types.
• Perform regular inventory counts (monthly and annual).
• Coordinate and execute inventory transactions using SAP/MES systems.
• Maintain custody of all inventory materials, ensuring count accuracy and orderly storage.
• Organize and maintain inventory shelves and floor areas according to material categories and locations.
• Pick and issue materials per work order BOM lists in SAP and/or MES.
• Process and record material returns from various work orders in SAP/MES.
• Receive and confirm incoming materials from AOI purchase orders after quality inspection.
• Communicate with production control regarding special picking requirements or stock verification.
• Support the manager with daily department operations and training initiatives.
• Participate in audits and special assignments as needed.
• Perform additional duties related to inventory operations as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–3 years of experience in inventory management, preferably with electronic components.
• Familiarity with ERP Inventory module required; SAP experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Preferred:

• Highly organized and detail -oriented
• Proactive and able to take initiative
• Comfortable handling delicate electronic parts and components
• Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, or Spanish

Location & Work Environment

This is a full-time, exempt on-site position based at one of our Houston-area facilities in Sugar Land, Missouri City, or Pearland, Texas. Work environments may include office, warehouse, and cleanroom manufacturing areas.

Standard hours are 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday. Occasional after-hours flexibility may be required to support unpredictable, seasonal, or business-critical needs.

Why AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.