Principal Project Scheduler - European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC)

ZipRecruiter; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment and HR services firm is seeking a Principal Scheduler to manage complex schedule activities for the European Space Agency (ESA) from Harwell, UK. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree in STEM and extensive experience in project scheduling, particularly in the aerospace sector. This role is critical to ensuring mission success, requiring expertise in risk analysis and communication skills. The position is on-site, with a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Master-level expertise in project scheduling and planning.
• Experience in aerospace or large-scale engineering sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Mission Baseline Schedules.
• Perform complex schedule analysis like CPM and trend analysis.
• Identify risks with 'what-if' scenarios and provide mitigation strategies.
• Utilize Monte Carlo techniques for risk-adjusted scheduling.

Skills

Project scheduling

Complex planning

Risk analysis

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

Microsoft Project Professional

Deltek Acumen

Job description

Job Description

Overview

Are you a master scheduler who has conquered the complexities of the energy, aerospace, or large-scale engineering sectors? Are you ready to trade terrestrial challenges for celestial ones?

Octagon Professionals, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), is seeking an elite Scheduler to play a mission-critical role in shaping the future of space exploration from the ECSAT facilities in Harwell, UK.

This isn't just another project; it's an opportunity to apply your deep expertise in complex planning, scheduling, and risk analysis to some of humanity's most ambitious space missions. We are looking for the strategic mind that can navigate the intricate timelines of flagship scientific and transportation programs, ensuring Europe's access to and exploration of space remains on track.

Your Mission

As a Principal Scheduler, you will be the authority on all schedule management activities, from initial study phases to mission closeout. You will provide the expert analysis that underpins critical decisions, ensuring these multi-year, technologically advanced projects are delivered successfully.

Your core responsibilities

• Developing, controlling, and maintaining the Mission Baseline Schedules for ESA’s Science and Space Transportation directorate projects.
• Performing complex schedule analysis, including critical path methodology (CPM), trend analysis, and float summary on a vast portfolio of schedules from industrial partners and stakeholders.
• Running sophisticated "what-if" scenarios and schedule simulations to proactively identify risks and recommend mitigation strategies to mission management.
• Mastering the risk-adjusted schedule by utilizing Monte Carlo techniques and tools (such as Deltek Acumen) to provide a realistic forecast of project timelines.
• Serving as the subject matter expert during major technical reviews and procurement activities, evaluating contractor schedules for robustness, logic, and achievability.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of ESA's business processes, tools, and best practices in the domain of schedule management and control.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned professional with a proven track record of managing schedules for complex, high-value engineering projects. You thrive in high-stakes environments where precision and foresight are paramount.

• A required Master’s degree in a STEM field.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience is required.
• Demonstrated master-level expertise in project scheduling, planning, and control within the space/aerospace. Oil and gas, or other major technical engineering industries are a bonus.
• Mastery of scheduling software like Microsoft Project Professional and schedule risk analysis tools using Monte Carlo techniques (e.g., Deltek Acumen) is essential.
• An exceptional communicator, capable of translating complex schedule data into clear, actionable insights for diverse international teams.
• You possess a forward-thinking, proactive, and independent mindset, perfectly aligning with our core values at Octagon.
• The successful candidate will be required to work on-site; therefore, within commuting distance of Oxford, or a willingness to relocate, is essential.

Why Octagon Professionals & ESA?

This is a unique opportunity to join a historic endeavor. At ESA, you will contribute to missions that push the boundaries of science and technology.

As an Octagon professional, you’ll receive our full support. We are a team built by expats and internationals, so we understand what it takes to start a new chapter. We pride ourselves on providing a personal touch, ensuring you are set up for success from day one. This is more than a contract; it's a partnership.

Ready for a career that’s truly out of this world?

If you are ready to take your scheduling expertise to the final frontier, we invite you to apply. Let's start a confidential conversation about your future.

About Us

Octagon Professionals is a full-service recruitment and HR services firm with over 30 years of experience in the European and international markets. Our large network of professionals and multi-team provide flexible solutions customized to individual client needs. We believe in building genuine connections through open communication, with a personal touch that makes a real difference.

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