Project Scheduler (IL, Waukegan)

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago?s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

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Summary

The Project Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, analyzing, and communicating integrated project and program schedules that support successful completion of Communications, Navigation, Connectivity, and In-Flight Entertainment systems onboard commercial aircraft. This position serves as the scheduling subject matter expert within the Program Management Organization (PMO), working closely with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Program Administrators to ensure schedules accurately reflect program scope, resource requirements, risks, and execution plans.

The Project Scheduler provides schedule visibility, identifies critical path activities, evaluates schedule risks, and supports proactive decision-making to improve program performance and on-time delivery. Must be comfortable challenging overly optimistic assumptions and influence stakeholders to adopt realistic, executable schedules.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following, other duties as may be required from time-to-time.

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Schedule Development and Maintenance

• Develop and maintain integrated master schedule (IMS) for development, production, and aftermarket programs
• Build detailed project schedules incorporating engineering, procurement, manufacturing, qualification, certification, and delivery activities.
• Define task dependencies, milestones, critical paths, and schedule constraints
• Ensure schedules are aligned with contractual commitments and internal business objectives
• Establish and manage schedule baselines in line with contract requirements and internal governance
• Administer schedule change control, ensuring that schedule updates are evaluated, approved, and documented in accordance with program management change process

Schedule Analysis & Reporting

• Perform critical path and near-critical path analysis
• Monitor schedule performance and identify emerging risks and delays
• Conduct schedule health assessments and recommend corrective actions
• Analyze schedule impacts resulting from engineering changes, supply chain disruptions, resource constraints, and customer-driven changes
• Develop schedule recovery plans in partnership with Program Managers and functional leaders

Program Controls & Risk Management

• Identify schedule risks, assumptions, dependencies, and constraints
• Support risk management activities by evaluating schedule impacts and mitigation plans
• Track key program milestones and performance metrics
• Ensure schedules are structured in alignment with webFM project and phase numbers to support cost/schedule integration
• Support earned value management (EVM) and other program control methodologies as needed

Program Reporting

• Generate program schedule reports, dashboards, and executive summaries
• Provide visibility into milestone performance, critical path status, and forecast completion dates
• Support customer reviews and schedule-related discussions as requested by Program Managers
• Identify opportunities to automate schedule reporting and analytics (e.g., using Power BI, macros, or scripts) to improve efficiency and data quality

Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain scheduling standards, processes, and best practices
• Improve schedule management methodologies across the PMO
• Support implementation of project management tools and reporting systems
• Train Program Managers and stakeholders on schedule management practices

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Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

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Required:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Project Management, or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of project scheduling, project controls, program planning, or related experience.
• Experience supporting complex development, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or technology programs preferred.
• Experience managing integrated master schedules across multiple functional organizations.
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Expertise in Microsoft Project
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Earned Value Management Training

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Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

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Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Scheduling and Planning ? Expert understanding of project scheduling methodologies
• Analytical Skills ? Ability to identify trends, risks, and execution challenges
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality ? Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals

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Astronics CSC offers a competitive benefit package which is available to full-time employees. Part-time employees may be eligible on a pro-rated basis for the benefits listed.

• Stay Healthy ? Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.

• Save for the Future ? 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a ?safe harbor? plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.

• Find Balance ? Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program

• Time for You ? Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

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An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.

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The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $90,000?to $110,000?per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.