Program Controls Lead

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Program Analyst to serve as the Program Controls Lead for the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Test Bed (Mach-TB) Engineering Team in Crane, IN.  

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Program Controls Lead will develop, maintain, and analyze schedules for the Program Engineering Team, ensuring timely delivery and resource optimization. This role is also responsible for Task Management, Action Item tracking and maintaining Data Management systems, as well as providing administrative support for the Program Engineering Integrated Product Team (PE IPT). The Program Controls Lead will help craft realistic and data-driven timelines, proactively track tasks and actions, ensure data quality and integrity, identify potential risks, support effective IPT meetings, and collaborate with team members to ensure successful program execution. A deep understanding of schedule management principles, task management systems (e.g., JIRA,), data management best practices, IPT processes, and program controls methodologies is required. A key aspect of this position involves working with the Prime contractor to integrate schedules, tasking, dependencies, and relevant data into the overall program plan. This role is also responsible for identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the Program Engineering Team's effectiveness, and for managing lessons learned to improve future performance of the Program Engineering Team. This role requires a strong understanding of project management methodologies, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to develop and manage complex schedules, action tracking systems, data resources, and IPT activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Schedule Development & Management:

• Develop/compile comprehensive and detailed project schedules for the Program Engineering Team using project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.). A thorough understanding of the schedule toolset is essential for creating accurate and effective schedules
• Collaborate closely with Program Engineering Team members, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, define program scope, and establish realistic timelines
• Identify critical path activities and potential schedule risks for Program Engineering Deliverables
• Monitor progress against baselined schedules, identifying and communicating any variances or deviations in the Program Engineering Team's performance
• Analyze schedule performance data to identify trends, potential bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in future schedules for the Program Engineering Team
• Regularly update schedules to reflect changes in program scope, resources, dependencies, or priorities affecting the Program Engineering Team. This includes incorporating updates from the Prime contractor's schedule
• Prepare and present comprehensive schedule reports and dashboards for the Program Engineering Team and management
• Facilitate schedule review meetings, providing insights and recommendations based on schedule analysis to the Program Engineering Team
• Develop and maintain schedule management processes and procedures for the Program Engineering Team
• Ensure alignment between schedules. Coordinate schedule integration efforts with the Prime contractor
• Work with the Prime contractor to ensure seamless integration of their schedule data, task assignments, and dependencies into our Program Engineering Schedule
• Participate in regular schedule coordination meetings with the Prime contractor

Task and Action Management:

• Establish and maintain a system (e.g., JIRA) for tracking tasks, actions, decisions, and issues within the Program Engineering Team
• Configure and customize the task management system's workflows, issue types, screens, and fields to meet the needs of different teams
• Manage user access, permissions, and roles within the task management system
• Monitor the effectiveness of the task management system and identify areas for improvement
• Generate reports and dashboards to track task completion rates, identify bottlenecks, and highlight areas of concern
• Enforce task management process and ensure adherence
• Proactively track and monitor outstanding actions to ensure timely completion and escalation as needed
• Ensure accurate and consistent data entry into the task management system

Data Management:

• Establish and maintain a data management plan for the Program Engineering Team
• Define data procedures, and standards to ensure data quality, integrity, and security
• Oversee data collection, storage, and retrieval processes
• Ensure data is accurate, complete, consistent, and readily available to stakeholders
• Implement data validation and quality control measures
• Develop and maintain data security protocols to protect sensitive information
• Manage access control to data resources
• Develop and maintain data reporting and analytics capabilities
• Monitor data trends and identify potential risks or opportunities
• Develop and implement data archiving and retention policies
• Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations

IPT Administration:

• Schedule, coordinate, and support facilitator of Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings
• Develop and distribute IPT meeting agendas and materials
• Document meeting minutes, action items, and decisions
• Track action items and ensure timely completion
• Maintain IPT membership list and contact information
• Support effective communication and collaboration within the IPT
• Ensure the IPT adheres to established program processes and procedures
• Manage IPT-related documentation and records
• Support IPT lead in achieving their objectives
• Assist in the development and maintenance of IPT charter

Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned:

• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in data quality and accessibility, and schedule development and management processes specific to the Program Engineering Team
• Utilize the task management system to track and manage lessons learned related to program engineering and scheduling for the Program Engineering Team
• Document and manage lessons learned from past schedules and projects to improve future schedule performance of the Program Engineering Team
• Maintain a lesson-learned repository and promote its use within the Program Engineering Team

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 or more years of experience in schedule development. Experience working with Prime contractors on schedule integration is highly desirable
• Strong proficiency in advanced project management and schedule visualization software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Milestone Pro, Gantt chart experience, etc.)
• Experience with task and action management systems (e.g., JIRA)
• Strong understanding of program management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Critical Path Method)
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneous

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in data management, data governance, and data quality control
• Experience in supporting or administering Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
• Experience with continuous improvement principles and practices within an engineering or technical team

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.