Project Planning and Control Specialist

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Project Planning and Control Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing project schedules, including risk and resource loaded schedules, for complex and diverse projects. This role requires a strong understanding of project management principles, scheduling software, risk management techniques, resource allocation, and the ability to effectively communicate schedule status and potential risks to project stakeholders.

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies. We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems. Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will perform, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Schedule Development and Maintenance:
• Develop and maintain detailed comprehensive resource and risk loaded project schedules using Microsoft Project.
• Calculate and insert approved margins into the schedule in partnership with program managers and approving stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain schedule baselines in partnership with program managers.
• Incorporate project changes and updates into the schedule, ensuring schedule integrity.
• Develop and maintain resource loaded schedules, identifying and resolving resource conflicts in partnership with program managers.
• Develop and maintain risks in schedules, incorporating identified risks and their potential impact on the project timeline in partnership with program managers.
• Implement schedule change control procedures.
• Project Planning:
• Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to define project scope, deliverables, and milestones.
• Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to organize project activities.
• Estimate activity durations and resource requirements.
• Define activity dependencies and logical relationships.
• Identify critical path activities and potential schedule risks.
• Participate in risk identification and assessment workshops.
• Schedule Analysis and Reporting:
• Perform critical path analysis, schedule risk analysis, margin use analysis, schedule performance analysis, and what-if scenario planning.
• Analyze resource allocation and identify potential resource bottlenecks.
• Monitor project progress against the baseline schedule and identify variances.
• Develop and distribute regular schedule performance reports, including schedule status, progress metrics, potential delays, resource utilization, and risk assessments.
• Communicate schedule issues and risks to project stakeholders.
• Propose corrective actions to address schedule deviations and mitigate risks.
• Schedule Integration:
• Integrate external project schedules from vendors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Analyze the impact of external schedule changes on the overall project schedule.
• Coordinate schedule activities with external parties.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between internal and external project teams.

REQUISITE SKILLS:

• Proven experience in project scheduling, preferably in Aerospace, Test & Evaluation, IT or other related product-oriented industry (e.g. construction, manufacturing).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project scheduling software.
• Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies (e.g. CPM, Agile).
• Strong understanding of DoD scheduling guidelines (e.g. GAO, DCMA, NAVAIR)
• Experience with risk management techniques and resource allocation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and under pressure.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Advanced MS Office Suite skills.
• Public speaking experience to an executive level audience, as well as ability to generate high-quality briefing packages.
• Experience working in DoD programs desired.
• Knowledge of USAF R&D testing processes and standards desired.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technical, or Management field with extensive relevant project work experience.
• 5 years' experience working in project scheduling, DoD Aerospace or Test & Evaluation programs preferred.
• PMP or PMI-SP certification is desired.
• Position may require occasional travel.
• On Site Work. Telework or Remote Work is not permitted.
• Flex schedule 9/80.
• MUST be a United States Citizen.
• MUST possess or obtain a DoD security clearance.