The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

Aerospace’s Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking an energetic and knowledgeable Program Planning & Schedule Engineer/Senior Program Planning & Schedule Engineer to join an innovative and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS leverages expertise in cost, schedule, and economic engineering, along with operations research and management science techniques, to enhance cost- and schedule-related decision-making processes. The department also conducts integrated studies, technical deep dives, and comprehensive reviews that provide actionable insights and uncover risks and opportunities. These efforts enable decision-makers to balance trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and develop robust solutions tailored to mission-critical challenges. EEMS also conducts government Business Intelligence, acquisition Workforce and Economic Modeling, and helps customers leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid acquisition Decision-Support. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs, EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost, schedule, and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.

Work Model: This position is full-time and requires on-site work at one of the following locations: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Crystal City, VA; Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

Advise national security and civil/commercial customers on schedule planning, program phasing, and execution strategies to support the successful development and delivery of space systems.

Participate in space system design, acquisition, and program evaluation teams, supporting or leading schedule analysis activities and providing insight into schedule feasibility, critical path drivers, and schedule-related program risks.

Develop and evaluate Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and perform independent schedule estimates and schedule health assessments to assess schedule realism and program execution readiness.

Conduct schedule risk analyses using probabilistic modeling techniques to quantify potential impacts to key program milestones and delivery timelines.

Analyze contractor schedules, proposals, and program documentation to evaluate schedule performance, margin, and programmatic risks, and ensure Aerospace technical quality in terms of completeness, accuracy, and analytical rigor.

Develop and maintain schedule analysis tools, databases, and methodologies, contributing to more efficient and data-driven schedule engineering practices across programs.

Mentor junior staff, support peer reviews of technical products, and develop clear reports and briefings that communicate schedule findings and recommendations to support critical customer decisions.

What You Need to be Successful:

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or more in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, or a related quantitative analysis / STEM field.

12 years of relevant experience in scheduling and program controls, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.

Familiarity with aerospace engineering processes, product lifecycle stages, and manufacturing workflows.

Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.

Demonstrated expertise in leading cross-functional scheduling and project control teams, as well as mentoring junior team members.

Hands-on experience developing and managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary program schedules, conducting schedule risk assessments, and developing models.

Proficiency in industry-standard schedule and project management tools (e.g., ACEIT JACS, Primavera, Microsoft Project, Full Monte, Steelray Project Analyzer, Milestones Professional) and standard risk analysis tools (e.g., Crystal Ball, @Risk).

Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM), including the ability to track and report performance metrics (e.g., CPI, SPI, and BAC).

Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM field

Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.

Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.

Knowledge of government scheduling practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA).

Experience developing schedule dashboards and creating schedule estimating relationships (SERs).

Knowledge of program planning, Earned Value Management, and Agile project management tools (e.g., JIRA).

Recognition as a subject matter expert, demonstrated through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.

Professional certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP), or Program Management Institute Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) from recognized professional societies (e.g., PMI, AACE).

A current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically
Lead Change  
Engage with Impact  
Foster Innovation  
Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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