Senior Manager, Master Program Planner (R3858)

Shield AI is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Master Program Planner to join our fast-paced and mission-driven team. In this role, you will be responsible for standing up and leading our planning capability in addition to directly supporting planning on existing programs. You will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of program schedules and ensure compliance with FAR-compliant Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS). You will play a key role in shaping planning tools and Agile planning processes to support our cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI-enabled aerospace platforms.

What you'll do:

• Establish and lead the program planning function for new and existing programs.
• Shape master planning tool selection and integration with Finance, Program Management, and Engineering tool suites.
• Integrate Agile backlog planning and sprint execution into traditional scheduling frameworks while maintaining EVM integrity.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS EVMS requirements and support internal/external audits, including DCMA surveillance activities.
• Develop and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) aligned with the Program Manager’s execution approach and contractual milestones.
• Conduct critical path analysis, risk-based schedule assessments, and schedule health checks to support timely and accurate decision-making.
• Provide planning expertise in support of proposal development, including time-phased planning and resource estimating.

Required qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in program planning or scheduling in the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industry
• Expertise in networked schedules, critical path methodology, and schedule integrity validation
• Expert user of Microsoft Project and/or Open Plan
• Experience with FAR-compliant Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience standing up planning functions or leading schedule teams on major defense or aerospace programs
• Experience supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR)
• Experience supporting DCMA compliance reviews and surveillance
• Practical knowledge of Agile methodologies and integrating Agile execution into traditional IMS structures
• Familiarity with Acumen, Milestones Professional, or similar tools
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present to senior leadership and government customers.