Project Specialist

Responsibilities

• Work closely with various Project Managers and within the Project Support Office to coordinate projects and develop schedules, reporting criteria, and records.
• Develop, build, maintain, and revise project schedules in support of multiple concurrent AFRC programs and projects.
• Facilitate schedule build and revision sessions with Project Managers, program leadership, and chief engineers.
• Develop systems for data collection, reporting criteria, and records; research and compile statistics and data for projects; assist in writing narratives for reports as needed.
• Monitor project timelines, track document submissions, and create, monitor, and maintain audit files.
• Analyze schedule performance and present schedule metrics and analysis to management and project leadership.
• Support the development and maintenance of project planning and control systems and tools in alignment with AFRC policies and guidelines.
• Cook up with Project Managers on a recurring basis to ensure proper scheduling support is provided throughout the project life cycle.
• Model and evaluate different schedule structures, advising Project Managers on the pros and cons of various scheduling approaches.
• Demonstrate an acute sense of ownership in providing scheduling and risk support for multiple projects and PMs, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse project team.
• Identify, communicate, and resolve programmatic risks and issues to eliminate or mitigate consequences that may impact the success of the project.
• Facilitate risk reviews and present risk analysis findings to Program/Project Managers and key stakeholders.
• Evaluate risks to accomplishing Center-approved project missions and objectives.
• Anticipate and explore safety risks to the Center, including potential impacts or conflicts with other projects.
• Assess the likelihood of project success and associated risks to the Center.
• Provide insight regarding schedule updates, potential slips, and upcoming risks to appropriate Project Managers and stakeholders.
• Design and implement procedures to fulfill project objectives and criteria for program compliance; prepare memorandums and work with agencies to resolve concerns and issues as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in Project Management or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with NASA project management policies and procedures, including NPR 7120.5.
• Experience with NASA systems and tools such as NAMIS, Jira, or similar project management and risk tracking platforms.
• Experience developing, building, and maintaining integrated project schedules across multiple concurrent programs.
• Experience facilitating schedule build sessions and risk reviews with senior program leadership.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify schedule risks, assess impacts, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ability to work closely with specified personnel to facilitate effective planning and execution of critical objectives in a timely manner, with adherence to plans and schedules.
• Experience preparing and presenting technical briefings, reports, and schedule metrics to management and senior leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supporting flight research, aeronautics, or aerospace research programs is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• All personnel must be capable of effectively communicating in English to perform assigned duties.
• Security clearance or system access requirements will be specified per project assignment, as applicable.