Master Scheduler

Job Descriptions:

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Master Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the integrated master schedule (IMS) to ensure on-time delivery of MSI’s programs, prototypes, and production units. This role coordinates cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Test, and Manufacturing to convert customer demand and program requirements into an accurate, achievable, and fully resource-loaded schedule.

This position establishes schedule governance, collects real-time status from shop-floor teams, ensures constraints are visible, resolves conflicts, and drives accountability to execution milestones. The Master Scheduler will own MS Project schedule revision control, lead weekly schedule reviews, support MRP/ERP alignment (Costpoint), and serve as the central point for communicating schedule risk and recovery actions to leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) Ownership

• Develops and maintains program schedules in MS Project aligned with customer requirements, internal gating, and contract deliverables.

• Integrates engineering, supply chain, production, test, and quality tasks into a single master plan with clear dependencies, durations, and predecessors.

• Ensures schedule logic, baselines, critical path, and constraints are accurate and updated weekly.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Facilitates schedule updates from Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Test, Quality, and outside vendors.

• Leads weekly schedule stand-ups and communicates gaps, risks, and recovery actions.

• Coordinates with Supply Chain on long-lead identification, demand signals, and supplier on-time delivery status.

Execution Governance

• Publishes weekly schedule reports, dashboards, and critical path summaries.

• Tracks earned value, percent complete, work remaining, and milestone adherence.

• Flags deviations early and drives root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Production & Test Scheduling

• Aligns engine build and test cell capacity planning with customer demand.

• Creates finite production schedules for work centers and identifies resources required to execute the plan.

• Maintains visibility of work-in-process (WIP), shortages, test status, and shipping readiness.

MRP/ERP Alignment

• Ensures MS Project schedules align with Costpoint work orders, part availability, and BOM structure.

• Collaborates with Inventory, Procurement, and Planning to maintain accurate supply signals.

• Supports program cost, material planning, and labor loading through accurate data integration.

Risk, Change, and Communication

• Performs What-If modeling to assess schedule impacts of design changes, supply chain delays, or resource constraints.

• Manages schedule baselines, revisions, and version control within Teams or SharePoint.

• Provides timely communication to leadership on schedule health and projected delivery performance.

Compliance & Documentation

• Supports AS9100, DFARS, and internal gating requirements for planning and documented scheduling.

• Maintains configuration control of all schedule files and publishes official versions to the PMO repository.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• No direct reports; must influence cross-functional teams through transparency, data accuracy, and consistent communication.

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required

• Strong proficiency in MS Project (complex dependencies, resource loading, baselines, critical path).

• Experience with MRP/ERP systems (Costpoint preferred; SAP/Oracle acceptable).

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, routings, and manufacturing workflows.

• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and coordination skills.

• Ability to work in a rapidly changing aerospace R&D/manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead meetings, drive accountability, and escalate appropriately.

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, electronics production, or defense manufacturing.

• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule performance metrics.

• Familiarity with DoD programs, contract requirements, and gated development processes.

• Understanding of AS9100 planning, configuration control, and documentation standards.

• Ability to perform capacity planning and resource constraint modeling.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• 3–7 years experience in Master Scheduling, Production Planning, Program Scheduling, or Operations Planning.

• Strong experience using MS Project and/or advanced scheduling tools.

Preferred

• Aerospace or defense industry experience.

• APICS CPIM or CSCP, PMP, or similar certification.

• Experience supporting engineering development and low-volume/high-mix builds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and manufacturing shop-floor environment with routine interaction across engineering, supply chain, operations, and quality teams.

• May be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, and chemicals (within OSHA limits).

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods (8–9 hours typical).

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs per TDI safety guidelines.

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for long durations.

• Occasional travel (0–10%) to suppliers or corporate sites.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-25% May be required between other Kratos locations

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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Keyword: master scheduling, MS Project, IMS, critical path, capacity planning, MRP, ERP, Costpoint, production scheduling, WIP, earned value, BOMs, dependencies, aerospace manufacturing, schedule risk

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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From: Kratos Defense