Early Career Project Planning & Controls Specialist, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

Benefits

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co‑workers
• World‑class tools, equipment, and research facilities
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements (compressed workweeks, part‑time, telecommuting)
• Generous vacation
• Strong medical and other benefits
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Learning opportunities
• Relocation assistance
• Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance
• World‑changing technologies and life‑changing careers

Schedule

Many positions offer flexible work arrangements, including 9/80 (80 hours over two weeks with every other Friday off), 4/10 (four ten‑hour days per week), part‑time schedules, and a mix of onsite work and telecommuting.

About the Role

The Project Planning & Controls Specialist provides analysis and reporting for project controls deliverables such as baselines, work package agreements, cost control, cost estimation, projections, and project reviews. The role involves close interaction with Control Account Managers, Principal Investigators, and business leads to meet program deliverables and schedule milestones.

Responsibilities

• Monitor project budgets, track expenditures, forecast costs, and identify cost variances.
• Develop, maintain, and update project schedules using Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
• Prepare regular status reports on project progress, schedule adherence, and budget performance for stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Analyze project data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Track and document changes to project scope, schedule, or budget and assess their impact on project objectives.
• Coordinate resource allocation and availability to ensure project milestones are met.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, peers, and other stakeholders to align project plans and controls.

Pay

Salary range: $74,700 – $144,400. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline (required).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance (required).
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (desired).
• Strong knowledge of project controls practices, including planning, scope management, scheduling, cost estimation, quality assurance, resource management, and risk management.
• Proficiency with project tools and applications; strong organizational skills to prioritize and execute tasks effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience with schedule development and maintenance using tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
• Interest and willingness to understand technical scope.
• Ability to thrive in an ambiguous, dynamic, and fast‑paced environment.
• Data analytics and data literacy skills.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. The pre‑employment process includes a drug test, background review, and verification of personal references, credit, law‑enforcement records, and employment/education history. Substance abuse, falsification of information, criminal activity, or serious misconduct can result in denial or termination of clearance.

About Our Team

Mission Services provides essential business services that support Lab operations, including supply chain, project controls, finance, and integrated business management. The team’s vision is to transform services for mission success, innovate with customers, and address issues directly, enhancing mission delivery and value to sponsors, national security partners, and internal customers. The organization comprises roughly 10,000 staff members matrixed across various missions.