Master Scheduler

Job Title: Master SchedulerJob Description

The Master Scheduler develops, maintains, and analyzes a fully integrated, resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for complex defense programs in alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) scheduling best practices and contractual requirements. This role ensures all technical, manufacturing, test, software, and supplier activities are accurately reflected in a comprehensive program schedule, supports key program reviews, and provides clear schedule and risk insights to leadership and government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

+ Develop, maintain, and analyze a resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) that complies with DoD scheduling best practices and contractual requirements.

+ Integrate technical, manufacturing, test, software, and supplier schedules into a single, comprehensive program schedule.

+ Conduct critical path, driving path, float, and schedule margin analyses to identify schedule vulnerabilities and key drivers.

+ Develop schedule-based risk mitigation plans and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation actions over time.

+ Perform quantitative Schedule Risk Assessments (SRA), including Monte Carlo simulations, to forecast milestone confidence levels and identify schedule uncertainty.

+ Analyze the impacts of technical, supplier, manufacturing, and integration risks on major program milestones and deliverables.

+ Support Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), customer reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and major technical reviews by providing schedule products and analysis.

+ Provide schedule status updates, variance analysis, and executive-level reporting to program leadership and government customers.

+ Collaborate with financial managers to ensure schedule logic and structure support Earned Value Management System (EVMS) reporting and analysis.

+ Ensure compliance with applicable standards, including Integrated Program Management Data and Analysis Report (IPMDAR) requirements, DoD scheduling guidance, and specific customer contractual requirements.

+ Recommend schedule improvements and process enhancements to increase program execution efficiency and predictability.

+ Integrate supplier schedules and subcontractor performance data into the IMS to maintain a complete and accurate program view.

+ Apply quantitative and qualitative schedule assessment techniques to improve schedule quality and adherence to recognized metrics.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline.

+ At least 3 years of experience developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules on DoD acquisition programs.

+ Demonstrated experience supporting Air and Missile Defense, aerospace, missile systems, radar systems, or related defense programs.

+ Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Project and/or similar scheduling tools.

+ Strong understanding of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling principles and their application to complex defense programs.

+ Working knowledge of Earned Value Management and its integration with program schedules.

+ Experience supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) and major milestone reviews.

+ Ability to communicate schedule status, risk, and mitigation strategies clearly and effectively to senior leadership and government customers.

+ Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), or similar DoD organizations.

+ Knowledge of Agile scheduling practices within complex defense or aerospace programs.

+ Familiarity with Systems Engineering technical reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, SVR, and FCA/PCA.

+ Experience integrating supplier schedules and subcontractor performance data into an Integrated Master Schedule.

+ Experience performing Schedule Risk Assessments (SRA) and Monte Carlo simulations using tools such as Acumen Risk, Primavera Risk Analysis, or similar software.

+ Familiarity with DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment metrics or comparable schedule quality metrics.

+ Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

+ Defense Acquisition University (DAU) training or equivalent formal acquisition or program management education.

Work Environment

The role operates in a structured defense program environment that emphasizes rigorous planning, schedule discipline, and compliance with Department of Defense standards. You will work extensively with advanced scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project and may use specialized risk analysis software like Acumen Risk or Primavera Risk Analysis to perform Schedule Risk Assessments and Monte Carlo simulations. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, test, software, finance, and supplier management, as well as frequent interaction with government customers during reviews and program milestones. Work typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility required around major reviews, critical milestones, and reporting deadlines. The environment values precision, accountability, and continuous improvement in scheduling processes and program execution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49.00 - $67.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing 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 click.appcast.io 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.