Inventory Control Specialist

Inventory Control Specialist

Location: Blacksburg, VA | Department: Manufacturing / Operations | Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

We're hiring an Inventory Control Specialist for our Blacksburg, VA manufacturing site. This role owns the accuracy and integrity of on-hand inventory across the stockroom and warehouse, driving cycle counts, reconciliation, and process improvement while partnering closely with Purchasing, Production Planning, and Quality.

This role works under the direction of the site manufacturing leader, with support from the site cost accountant on inventory valuation, reconciliation, and reporting matters.

Luna Innovations designs and manufactures fiber optic sensing and test and measurement products used across aerospace, automotive, energy, and communications industries. Our manufacturing teams turn engineering designs into precision products, and the logistics function is what keeps materials, components, and finished goods moving accurately and on schedule.

As our Inventory Control Specialist, your core responsibilities include:

• Performing scheduled and ad hoc cycle counts, and owning the cycle count calendar and count strategy
• Reconciling inventory discrepancies and investigating root cause (mis-picks, transaction timing, damage, shrinkage) rather than just correcting the count
• Executing and validating ERP transactions for receipts, issues, transfers, adjustments, and returns to keep on-hand and on-hold quantities accurate in real time
• Maintaining min/max and reorder point settings, monitoring supply against production forecasts, and flagging stockout or excess risk to Planning and Purchasing
• Coordinating and participating in periodic full physical inventory counts, including count prep, blind counts, tagging, and variance reporting
• Managing lot, serial, and expiration/shelf-life tracking to support product traceability and quality/regulatory requirements
• Identifying, tagging, and processing slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory, including disposition, scrap, and write-off transactions
• Maintaining accurate bin/location records and leading periodic warehouse location audits
• Applying ABC classification to set count frequency and control rigor based on item value and movement
• Tracking and reporting inventory KPIs (count accuracy, adjustment dollars, aging, turns) to manufacturing and finance stakeholders
• Partnering with Purchasing, Production Planning, and Quality to resolve discrepancies, material holds, and non-conforming inventory
• Supporting internal and external audits (financial, quality, customer) with documentation, transaction history, and inventory data
• Auditing other team members' counting and transaction accuracy, driving corrective action on recurring discrepancies, and leading process improvement initiatives across the stockroom and warehouse
• Tracking work-in-process and finished goods, including movement of demo units, customer returns, and inter-department transfers

We're looking for:

• 2+ years in inventory control, materials management, or a related manufacturing support role; hands-on experience with cycle counting, root-cause reconciliation, and ERP inventory transactions; comfort partnering with Purchasing and Planning on min/max and forecast-driven replenishment; AS or BS degree a plus
• Attention to detail, reliability, and comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office and an ERP or inventory management system is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent required; AS or BS degree a plus

• Ability to lift, carry, or move materials up to 40 lbs regularly, with occasional heavier lifting using team lift or equipment assistance
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout a shift
• Manual dexterity for handling components, packing materials, and operating scanning or handling equipment
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as applicable to the work area

We offer competitive hourly pay based on experience, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path to grow into senior inventory control or team lead responsibilities as you build your career with us.

Luna Innovations is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Luna provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Luna expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination.