Senior Program Planner / Integrated Master Scheduler (IMS)

Location: Tucson, AZ

Schedule: 9/80 work schedule, core hours 8:00am–5:00pm

Duration: 12+ month contract

Clearance: Active Secret clearance required to start

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen required

Pay Rate: $75.00–$102.50/hr (based on experience and clearance)

Role Overview

This role serves as the lead senior planner responsible for the development, execution, and long-term maintenance of the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and all supporting sub-schedules. You will operate in a highly dynamic, mission-critical environment supporting complex hardware and software development programs under Earned Value Management (EVMS).

You are the central authority ensuring technical scope, cost, and schedule are fully integrated into a compliant, executable baseline plan. This role partners directly with program leadership, engineering, finance, and functional teams to drive schedule integrity, execution discipline, and proactive risk management.

Primary Mission

Own and lead the creation, maintenance, and execution of a fully integrated, compliant Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) that accurately reflects program scope, technical execution strategy, cost integration, and contractual requirements in a classified EVMS environment.

Key Responsibilities

Integrated Master Schedule Leadership

• Lead development and ongoing maintenance of program IMS and supporting sub-schedules aligned to customer requirements.
• Ensure schedule logic, sequencing, and work scope accurately reflect the technical and programmatic solution.
• Validate schedule integrity by identifying missing scope, improper logic, unrealistic durations, or disconnected dependencies.
• Maintain IMS baseline discipline, including baseline change control, variance analysis, and status incorporation.

Program Integration

• Partner with program management, engineering, finance, and functional SMEs to integrate:
• Technical execution plans
• Cost and resource loading
• Contractual milestones
• Translate complex technical solutions into executable schedule logic.
• Ensure alignment with internal lifecycle program management processes and standards.

EVMS and Schedule Performance

• Apply Earned Value Management System principles to schedule development and execution.
• Provide weekly and monthly planning metrics including:
• Schedule status and health
• Critical path and near-critical path analysis
• Schedule variance and trend analysis
• Network logic validation
• Support cost estimating and Basis of Estimate (BOE) development through schedule inputs and modeling.

Schedule Risk Analysis (SRA)

• Partner with subject matter experts to conduct Schedule Risk Analysis.
• Interpret SRA outputs including probability of success, drivers, and risk contributors.
• Integrate mitigation strategies into the IMS and ensure schedule risks are incorporated into the formal Risk Management process.
• Clearly communicate SRA results to program leadership and stakeholders.

Planning Artifacts and Process Improvement

• Develop and leverage supplemental planning artifacts such as:
• Hardware Unit Models (HUM)
• Manufacturing Planning Schedules (MPS)
• First Unit Flow diagrams
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, or risks in current planning processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and EVMS execution.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and train junior planners on scheduling best practices, EVMS principles, and tool usage.
• Lead by example in maintaining planning rigor, discipline, and accountability.
• Collaborate across functional organizations with varying technical and operational perspectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, STEM, or related field.
• 15+ years of applicable experience in:
• Program Planning and Scheduling
• Integrated Master Schedule development and maintenance
• EVMS execution in a matrixed organization
• Extensive experience with scheduling tools such as:
• Microsoft Project
• Primavera P6
• Open Plan
• Project Server or similar
• Demonstrated experience leading, integrating, and governing schedule and EVMS practices for complex development programs.
• Active Secret U.S. security clearance required to start.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience with aerospace and defense planning environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise planning, finance, and project control tool suites.
• Experience working in classified EVMS programs.
• Strong understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles.
• Exposure to Agile or hybrid development methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Cost estimating
• BOE generation
• Schedule modeling and scenario analysis
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, ask the right questions, and reconcile competing priorities while preserving IMS integrity.

Core Competencies

• Advanced IMS development and governance
• EVMS schedule integration and analysis
• Critical path and risk-based planning
• Technical solution modeling
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership, mentoring, and influence
• Process improvement and problem solving
• Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Benefits (Contractor)

• Competitive hourly pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave in accordance with Arizona law

Arizona Paid Sick Leave

Arizona law requires employers to provide paid sick leave accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with:

• Up to 40 hours per year for employers with 15 or more employees
• Sick time usable for personal or family illness, preventive care, or related needs

Additional Notes

• Long-term program with strong stability.
• High visibility role supporting critical national defense programs.
• Senior-level responsibility with meaningful influence on program success.