Project Planner

PROJECT PLANNER // JOB DESCRIPTION This individual will work closely with program management supporting the Superconductors Business Unit and report directly to the Director of Programs. Working with Program Managers, the candidate will be responsible for gathering and estimating project activity times and resource requirements, sequencing those activities to optimize the guidance of a project through its life span from concept to product transfer, and using appropriate software and related techniques to maintain current project schedule status for a portfolio of major programs. This candidate should be meticulous and be capable of working within a team environment and independently on moderately complex assignments requiring attention to detail and accuracy. The candidate will be working on multiple programs simultaneously.POSITION FUNCTIONS Prepare periodic management and/or customer reports and presentations as assigned. Assists project teams in developing detailed resource-loaded project schedules in MS Project. Coordinates with program management the integration of information from multiple project schedules into an overall resource plan. Monitor actual progress, facilitates weekly program status meetings with project managers and other key project stakeholders. Proactively identifies, tracks and works with project managers to resolve potential scheduling issues and/or risks. Analyze validity of schedules submitted by outside parties contributing to the project and integrate them into overall program plans. Follow-up with external suppliers to ensure timely response to action items.Interface the schedule with the project budget. Forecast the impacts on schedule of proposed changes. Recommend policy or procedural revisions that will improve schedule accomplishment. Attend management, project team and customer meetings as requested by the project manager. Develop tools to facilitate monitoring program cost and schedule activity to achieve planned results. Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting. KNOWLEDGE // SKILLS // EXPERIENCE REQUIRED• Must have 3 years of demonstrated experience managing program schedules for complex engineering development program involving hardware and software development, multiple sub-component integration, system integration, system testing and operational test acceptance. • Must have at least 4 years of demonstrated experience with MS Project. • Must have experience working on product development programs. • Must have effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the company.• Must have demonstrated effective analytical and problem-solving skills.• Must be detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.• Must have effective organization skills including the ability to prioritize and plan work.• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline is desirable• PMP certification a plus.COMPETENCIES• Skilled in MS Project scheduling.• Skilled in the use of MS Excel• Sense of urgency with the ability to meet schedules and deliver quality results in the committed time period.• Systems approach to solving problems using quality tools.• Must be curious, flexible, analytical, proactive, and posses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Detailed oriented and wired for delivering accurate results.• Information seeking and able to handle multiple priorities.• Comfortable working in a team environment and independently as required. TRAVEL DEMANDS• Occasional domestic trips lasting 1-2 days.