Master Scheduler III

Element U.S. Space & Defense; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Element U.S. Space & Defense, Santa Clarita, is seeking a Master Scheduler III to lead scheduling and facilities planning for multiple programs and testing disciplines.

You will ensure efficient resource utilization, maintain VLab systems, and drive standardization across departments in a high-volume environment. The role requires advanced scheduling knowledge, leadership abilities, and collaboration with Program Managers, customers, and cross-functional teams to meet contractual milestones and

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 5-8 years in scheduling, production planning, or program scheduling in a technical or lab environment.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects concurrently.
• Ability to read quotes, SOWs, and testing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead scheduling and capacity planning across programs and testing disciplines.
• Oversee VLab scheduling accuracy, real-time updates, forecasting, and capacity modeling.
• Develop and improve scheduling processes, tools, and best practices.
• Analyze resource utilization trends and optimize equipment and manpower.
• Escalate complex scheduling conflicts and resolve priorities.
• Coordinate cross-functional scheduling for uninterrupted testing.
• Align schedules with milestones, customer expectations, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor timelines and identify risks to on-time delivery.

Skills

Scheduling

Capacity planning

Program scheduling

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

VLab

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Summary

The Master Scheduler III is responsible for leading the scheduling and facilities planning for complex commercial projects and multi-program portfolios. This role partners closely with Program Managers, customers, and cross-functional teams to ensure efficient utilization of resources, optimize capacity, and drive on-time project execution. The position owns the integrity and optimization of scheduling systems (e.g., VLab), ensuring alignment between real-time operations and forecasted demand. The Master Scheduler III serves as a senior resource in resolving scheduling conflicts, improving processes, and driving standardization across departments. This role requires advanced technical understanding, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a dynamic, high-volume testing environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Below are the highest priority responsibilities performed in this position.

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

• Lead scheduling and capacity planning activities across multiple programs, departments, and testing disciplines.
• Oversee and ensure accuracy of VLab or equivalent scheduling systems, including real-time updates, forecasting, and capacity modeling.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve scheduling processes, tools, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Analyze resource utilization trends and recommend adjustments to optimize equipment and manpower allocation.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex scheduling conflicts, including equipment constraints, customer priority changes, or resource limitations.
• Coordinate cross-functional scheduling activities to ensure uninterrupted testing and alignment across departments.
• Partner with Program Managers and leadership to align schedules with contractual milestones, customer expectations, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor project timelines and proactively identify risks to on-time delivery; implement mitigation strategies.
• Build, maintain, and enhance lab capability and capacity matrices to support long-term planning and forecasting.
• Lead regular schedule review meetings with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management teams.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to schedulers or coordinators; may provide work direction or indirect leadership.
• Collaborate with Sales and Engineering on project planning inputs, including scope evaluation and feasibility assessments.
• Communicate schedule performance, risks, and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 5-8 years of experience in scheduling, production planning, or program scheduling in a technical or lab environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects or programs concurrently.
• Strong ability to read and interpret quotes, statements of work (SOWs), and testing standards.
• Advanced proficiency with scheduling systems (e.g., VLab, ERP/MRP systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to resolve complex scheduling conflicts and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and operational teams.
• This role is on-site in a lab.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• APICS certification or similar supply chain/planning certification.
• Prior experience in a testing laboratory environment (e.g., EMI, Environmental, Dynamics, or similar disciplines).
• Experience with capacity modeling, forecasting, and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members.

Knowledge And Skills

• Advanced knowledge of scheduling methodologies, resource planning, and capacity optimization.
• Strong understanding of technical testing workflows, equipment capabilities, and operational constraints.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate and mitigate scheduling risks.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface with all levels of the organization and external customers as needed.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

EEO Policy Statement

It is the policy of Element US Space & Defense to offer Equal Employment Opportunity to all individuals without regards to race, creed, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V