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Scheduler - Job Opportunity at Leidos

Chantilly, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 6, 2025
On-site
USD 80,600 - 145,700 per year

Benefits

Competitive salary range with significant earning potential scaling from mid-level to senior compensation tiers
Employment with a Fortune 500 defense contractor providing exceptional job security and career stability
Access to cutting-edge project management technologies and enterprise-level software systems
Professional development opportunities through complex multi-disciplinary program exposure
Comprehensive security clearance requirements indicating access to high-level government projects and enhanced career marketability

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic project execution by developing and maintaining comprehensive project schedules that directly impact multi-million dollar program success and client satisfaction
Lead integration of master scheduling systems with enterprise data platforms including SAP, ensuring seamless data flow and operational efficiency across organizational boundaries
Orchestrate daily resource allocation and workforce coordination, directly managing productivity of technical teams and optimizing human capital utilization
Establish and monitor critical performance baselines that serve as the foundation for executive decision-making and program risk management
Conduct advanced analytical assessments of project trajectories to proactively identify scheduling risks and develop strategic mitigation approaches that protect program profitability
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between program management, technical teams, and finance departments to ensure unified strategic alignment and optimal resource allocation
Deliver executive-level reporting and analysis through monthly and quarterly status presentations that inform senior leadership decision-making and client relationship management
Ensure regulatory compliance and contractual adherence across all scheduling activities, protecting the organization from legal and financial risks while maintaining client trust
Provide critical input to cost estimation and risk management processes that directly influence program profitability and competitive positioning
Maintain real-time performance tracking systems that enable agile response to program changes and optimize forecasting accuracy

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field OR Master's degree

Experience

8–12 years of relevant experience with Bachelor's degree OR 6–10 years of relevant experience with Master's degree

Required Skills

TS/SCI w/ Poly Clearance Proven experience in project planning, scheduling, and performance monitoring for complex, multi-disciplinary programs Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, schedules, and key performance indicators to meet contractual and project requirements Strong knowledge of project controls, including cost, schedule, and risk analysis Proficiency in project management software (PMS) such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, or equivalent tools Skilled in business communications, with the ability to effectively present performance updates and progress reports to stakeholders Experience coordinating across functional areas (technical, finance, contracts) to ensure schedule and cost alignment Knowledge of contract management processes and experience contributing to or managing compliance with contract terms and deliverables

Certifications

PMP (Project Management Professional) - Preferred PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional) - Preferred
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Industry Trends

Defense contracting is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased federal spending on cybersecurity, space systems, and advanced technologies, creating sustained demand for experienced project schedulers who can manage complex government programs. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into defense systems is requiring schedulers to adapt to more dynamic and iterative project methodologies while maintaining strict compliance standards. The convergence of traditional project management with agile methodologies in defense contracting is creating new opportunities for schedulers who can bridge waterfall and agile approaches. Government contractors are increasingly adopting hybrid project management frameworks that require schedulers to be proficient in both traditional milestone-based scheduling and adaptive planning techniques. Cybersecurity requirements in defense contracting are becoming more stringent, with Top Secret/SCI clearances becoming standard requirements rather than preferences. This trend is creating a highly specialized and well-compensated niche for cleared professionals, with salary premiums of 20-40% above commercial sector equivalents due to the limited pool of qualified candidates.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $80,600 - $145,700 is highly competitive and reflects the premium associated with Top Secret/SCI clearance requirements. This range positions the role at the 75th-90th percentile for scheduler positions in the Washington DC metro area, with the upper bound reflecting the significant value placed on security clearance and defense contractor experience. The wide salary band indicates substantial room for negotiation based on specific experience levels and specialized skills, particularly in areas like Earned Value Management and integrated master scheduling.

Role Significance

The scheduler typically coordinates with teams ranging from 20-100 professionals across multiple functional areas including engineering, finance, contracts, and operations. While not directly managing personnel, the role influences resource allocation and assignment for technical teams, effectively coordinating the work of dozens of professionals. The position often serves as the central coordination point for cross-functional project teams in a matrix organizational structure.
This is a senior-level position that serves as a critical bridge between executive leadership and operational teams, with direct influence on program success and profitability. The role carries significant autonomy in schedule development and risk identification, requiring independent judgment on complex multi-million dollar programs. The position reports to senior program management and provides strategic input that directly impacts executive decision-making and client relationships.

Key Projects

Multi-year government technology modernization programs valued at $50-500 million requiring integration of multiple contractor teams and strict milestone adherence Cybersecurity infrastructure development projects involving classified systems and multi-phase implementation schedules across government agencies Space and defense systems development programs with complex technical dependencies and regulatory compliance requirements spanning 3-7 year development cycles

Success Factors

Exceptional analytical capability combined with strategic thinking skills to identify schedule risks before they impact program success, requiring the ability to synthesize complex technical information and translate it into actionable management insights Advanced stakeholder management abilities to effectively coordinate between government clients, internal teams, and subcontractors while maintaining positive relationships under high-pressure situations and competing priorities Deep understanding of government contracting processes and compliance requirements, enabling proactive identification of regulatory risks and ensuring all scheduling activities support contractual obligations and deliverable commitments Technical proficiency in enterprise-level project management systems combined with the ability to integrate data from multiple sources and present complex information in executive-ready formats Adaptability to rapidly changing program requirements and scope modifications while maintaining schedule integrity and team coordination across multiple functional areas

Market Demand

Demand for cleared project schedulers in the defense sector is exceptionally high, with a candidate shortage driven by the specialized combination of technical project management skills, security clearance requirements, and government contracting experience. The Washington DC metro area specifically shows 3-4 open positions for every qualified candidate, creating a strong seller's market for experienced professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Primavera represents the technical foundation for success in this role, as these tools are industry standard for government contracting and mastery directly correlates with scheduling accuracy and efficiency. The ability to create sophisticated project models and perform advanced schedule analysis using these platforms is essential for managing complex multi-year programs and demonstrating professional credibility with clients and stakeholders. Top Secret/SCI clearance with Polygraph is the most critical requirement, as it serves as the entry barrier to this role and similar positions in the defense sector. This clearance level indicates trustworthiness for handling the most sensitive national security information and represents a significant career asset that provides access to the highest-paying and most interesting opportunities in government contracting. Cross-functional coordination skills are essential for success given the matrix organizational structure and the need to influence without direct authority. The ability to effectively communicate with technical teams, finance professionals, and senior management while maintaining schedule integrity requires exceptional interpersonal skills and strategic thinking capability.

Beneficial Skills

Earned Value Management (EVM) expertise is becoming increasingly valuable as government agencies require more sophisticated performance measurement and forecasting capabilities. Professionals with EVM certification and practical application experience command premium compensation and are positioned for rapid advancement to senior program management roles. Agile and hybrid project management experience provides competitive advantage as government contractors increasingly adopt adaptive methodologies for technology development programs. The ability to blend traditional milestone-based scheduling with iterative development approaches is becoming a differentiating skill in the federal contracting market. Advanced risk management capabilities including quantitative risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation are highly valued for complex programs where schedule delays can result in significant financial penalties and client relationship damage. These skills enable proactive risk mitigation and demonstrate advanced analytical capability to senior leadership.

Unique Aspects

The requirement for TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance indicates involvement in highly sensitive national security programs, providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and strategic government initiatives that are not available in commercial sector roles
Integration with SAP enterprise systems demonstrates the sophisticated technology infrastructure and enterprise-scale operations that provide valuable experience with Fortune 500 business systems and processes
The emphasis on Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development indicates involvement in large-scale, multi-contractor programs that require coordination across multiple organizations and complex stakeholder management
The combination of traditional project management with emerging agile methodologies reflects the evolving nature of government contracting and provides exposure to hybrid project management approaches that are becoming industry standard

Career Growth

Career progression to senior program management roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing schedulers, with PMO leadership positions achievable within 5-7 years. The combination of security clearance and proven government contracting experience creates accelerated advancement opportunities, particularly for professionals who develop expertise in emerging technology areas like cybersecurity and space systems.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Manager or Program Director positions overseeing multiple concurrent programs with P&L responsibility and direct client relationship management Project Management Office (PMO) Director roles establishing scheduling standards and best practices across organizational portfolios Business Development Manager positions leveraging deep program management expertise to identify and pursue new government contracting opportunities Independent consulting opportunities specializing in government contractor project management and scheduling optimization

Company Overview

Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 science and technology company that serves as a leading provider of technology services and solutions to government and commercial customers. The company operates across multiple sectors including defense, intelligence, civil government, and health markets, with particular strength in cybersecurity, data analytics, and mission-critical IT services. Leidos has established itself as a trusted partner to federal agencies through decades of successful program delivery and has built a reputation for handling complex, high-stakes technology implementations.

Leidos holds a dominant position in the government contracting market with annual revenues exceeding $13 billion and a strong track record of winning and retaining major federal contracts. The company consistently ranks among the top 10 government contractors and has demonstrated resilience through multiple economic cycles. Their market position is strengthened by long-term contract relationships with key federal agencies and a diverse portfolio that reduces dependence on any single client or program area.
The Chantilly, Virginia location positions this role at the heart of the Washington DC metro area's defense contracting ecosystem, providing direct access to federal agencies and major contractor partners. This location offers exceptional networking opportunities and exposure to the highest levels of government contracting activity. The proximity to key decision-makers and the concentration of cleared professionals in the area creates unique advantages for career development and industry engagement.
Leidos maintains a professional, mission-focused culture that emphasizes technical excellence and client service while providing substantial opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The company culture balances the structured requirements of government contracting with innovation and forward-thinking approaches to technology solutions. Employee satisfaction surveys consistently highlight strong job security, competitive compensation, and meaningful work that directly supports national security objectives.
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