Project Scheduler

About the Position

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $90,000 - $110,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity.
  • 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave.
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

About the Company

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.