Project Controls Specialist

Provide integration support within the Orion Program and PP&C office. The preferred candidate will have a wide background in PP&C functions, NASA and Commercial experience. The candidate will need to understand and support schedule analysis, cost estimating, assessments, earned value (EV) analysis, and risk analysis providing direct support or integrating with these discipline areas. This role is best handled by a curious person who is willing to seek out a greater understanding of the big picture, to be flexible and change course, and to listen to a wide variety of inputs.

This position has several responsibilities across the Orion program. These include:

• Develop monthly planning and performance presentations that integrate input from resource analysts, schedule analysts, DCMA, EVM analysts, assessments and provide key take aways for management.
• Lead the program support of AS9100 compliance and audits including collecting key metrics, providing bi-annual reports to Johnson Space Center (JSC), preparing audit support package and coordinating audit reviews, and representing the program at the JSC Quality Service Panel.
• Serve as PP&C representative to program boards, meetings, and other forums as needed.
• Assist in management of PP&C collaboration and file sharing development and maintenance
• Lead the Process Review Working Group (PIWG) including schedule regular process reviews, identifying processes that need to be updated, created, or retired, and assisting process owners with process development and documentation. Bring industry best practices to process owners and program stakeholders for consideration.
• Manage the PP&C internal review forum “Round Table” agendas as well as recording discussions and actions of the same.
• Coordinate the annual Statement of Assurance requirement with NASA Headquarters and JSC including drafting responses, reviewing with program management and delivering the final submission.

This position also serves the program as the Earned Value Management (EVM) subject matter expert (SME). This includes the following functions:

• Act as the Program liaison with DCMA as related to EVM. This includes reviewing and summarizing DCMA monthly reports, holding regular meeting with DCMA representatives, reviewing and approving DCMA hours (including proposing planned hours for future FY), participating in DCMA surveillance events and tracking corrective actions issued to contractors by DCMA for EVM issues.
• Prepare and facilitate integrated baseline reviews (IBR) from start to finish. This includes setting up a structure for the IBR, conducting IBR training and support meetings, facilitating the face-to-face meetings, reviewing and dispositioning requests for information, observations, and findings, assisting with a final out brief and close out of the IBR.
• Preparing detailed EVM analysis on contractor and program data including variances, performance metrics, management reserve (MR) status and health, forecasting using various methods, likely content shifts, identifying areas of concern including the need for future funding, and creation and tracking of performance threats to the program. This analysis may need to be done for the current period, inception to date, fiscal year or other time periods as required.
• Maintain the program’s WBS dictionary and update as necessary
• Serve as the program representative to the EVM working group and ensure that the program’s interests are represented. This includes coordinating the JSC EVM focal point.

Minimum Requirements:

• NASA or prior experience working under a US Government contract is preferred.
• Desired 15+ years combined work experience. Minimum of 10 years of “hands-on” PP&C (Program Planning and Control) to include EVM (Earned Value Management), Critical Path Method Scheduling, Risk Management, and PP&C Integration and Assessments.
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. Public Trust background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training in Earned Value Management (EVM) or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or other related certification(s) is desirable.

• Prior work on human space programs is a plus. Experience presenting to high level management is also a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and in a hybrid team environment with minimal supervision. Must exhibit a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation
• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and written. Demonstrated multi-tasking skills.
• Physical Requirements - Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time)

• Equipment and Machines- Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
• Attendance- Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside of normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required.
• Other Essential Functions- Must be able to work in a team atmosphere and promote professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Education and Relevant Work Experience:

BS/BA degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Systems Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university, plus ten (10) years of relevant work experience. Advanced degree such as an MBA with a concentration in business finance. accounting, or project management is preferred.

Benefits:

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSA Accounts
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Holidays

ARES is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer and complies with E-Verify.

ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.