Scheduler – DARPA Program Support, TS/SCI

Blue Sky Innovators; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Scheduler to provide critical support for DARPA by managing complex project schedules. This role involves developing Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project, conducting health assessments, and ensuring alignment among stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should be skilled in Microsoft Project and have experience in developing schedules in a government environment. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential to thrive in this dynamic position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated mastery of Microsoft Project, including advanced features.
• Experience developing and maintaining complex schedules in a government, defense, or research environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize detailed Integrated Master Schedules in Microsoft Project.
• Coordinate with performers, contractors, and internal teams for schedule inputs.
• Prepare schedule reports and briefing materials for leadership.

Skills

Microsoft Project

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Tools

Primavera

Jira

Job description

Arlington, VA

The Scheduler provides high‑impact program support to DARPA by building, maintaining, and optimizing complex project schedules that drive technical execution. This role is ideal for someone who is exceptionally fluent in Microsoft Project, understands how to translate technical program plans into actionable timelines, and can manage dynamic, fast‑moving schedules with precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) in Microsoft Project for DARPA program managers.
• Build and manage task dependencies, critical paths, resource allocations, and milestone tracking within Microsoft Project.
• Conduct schedule health assessments and provide data‑driven insights to program leadership.
• Coordinate with performers, contractors, and internal teams to gather schedule inputs and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
• Run recurring schedule reviews, update cycles, and what‑if analyses to support program decision‑making.
• Translate technical program plans, statements of work, and performer deliverables into structured, trackable schedules.
• Prepare schedule reports, Gantt charts, and briefing materials for program reviews and senior leadership.
• Support planning and execution of program events, including PI meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.
• Maintain strict adherence to DARPA processes, documentation standards, and security protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated mastery of Microsoft Project, including advanced features such as baselining, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and custom views.
• Experience developing and maintaining complex schedules in a government, defense, or research environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information and convert it into structured schedules.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse technical and administrative stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• TS/SCI Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting DARPA or other DoD research organizations.
• Familiarity with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and DoD program management frameworks.
• Experience conducting schedule risk assessments or using complementary tools (e.g., Primavera, Jira, or risk analysis software).

Attributes for Success

• Operates Microsoft Project with speed, confidence, and creativity — a true "wizard" in the tool.
• Thrives in environments with shifting priorities and rapid technical evolution.
• Highly proactive, detail‑oriented, and able to anticipate scheduling impacts before they occur.
• Comfortable engaging with scientists, engineers, performers, and senior government leaders.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [e-mail] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.