Program Scheduler

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Program Scheduler

Job Description

The Program Scheduler develops, maintains, and analyzes integrated master schedules to support complex programs and ensure alignment between project activities, financial performance, and organizational goals. This role collaborates closely with Finance, Cost Analysis, and cross-functional stakeholders to manage schedules, identify risks, and support Earned Value Management (EVM) practices within a structured program management environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules for one or more programs, ensuring they reflect all required activities, milestones, and dependencies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project activities and ensure the schedule aligns with the work breakdown structure (WBS), including proper links and relationships.
• Ensure alignment between department-level schedules and the overall program schedule, maintaining schedule integration across functions.
• Identify and monitor critical path activities and schedule risks, updating the integrated schedule as program scope, timelines, or resource allocations change.
• Support Finance with earned value analysis of the integrated master schedule, including critical path analysis and identification of efficiency improvements and schedule risks.
• Analyze schedules to identify optimization opportunities, potential delays, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather schedule-related information, resolve conflicts, and ensure their input is reflected in the integrated master schedule.
• Lead or support meetings and discussions to review schedule status, communicate changes, and provide updates on schedule performance.
• Maintain open communication channels with cross-functional teams to clarify dependencies, address concerns, and foster collaboration around schedule commitments.
• Assist Cost Analysis with aligning schedule data and financial data to accurately track project costs, earned value, and schedule performance.
• Support compliance with program management standards, policies, and guidelines throughout the scheduling process.
• Maintain accurate documentation, records, and configuration control related to the integrated master schedule.
• Follow governance processes, change management procedures, and quality assurance practices related to scheduling and program management.
• Apply strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and schedules simultaneously.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats to present schedule information and analysis to stakeholders.
• Demonstrate interpersonal, leadership, and critical thinking skills when working with cross-functional teams and resolving schedule-related issues.
• Apply knowledge of relevant industry regulations, standards, and compliance requirements to scheduling practices.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities related to scheduling, project support, and program management as assigned.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in government contracting environments.
• Negotiation skills and buying experience in a procurement or supply chain role.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present schedule information clearly and concisely.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, leadership, and critical thinking abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant industry regulations, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, business management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field is a plus.
• Certification in project management or scheduling is a plus.
• Experience working closely with Finance and Cost Analysis teams to support schedule and cost alignment.
• Experience working with work breakdown structures (WBS) and integrating them into project schedules.
• Experience in environments that use formal program management standards, governance processes, and change management procedures.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Columbia, with no remote work option. The role follows a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off. Core working hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with 9-hour workdays from Tuesday through Thursday.

This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

The pay range for this position is $31.63 - $38.46/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.