Integrated Master Scheduler SME

SteerBridge Strategies is a modern technology company delivering innovative, mission‑focused solutions to the U.S. Government and private sector. Leveraging deep expertise in federal acquisition, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, we deliver agile, commercial‑grade capabilities that accelerate operational effectiveness and drive measurable mission success.

At the core of SteerBridge is our people—especially the veterans whose leadership, problem‑solving mindset, and commitment to excellence elevate every project we support. We don’t simply hire exceptional talent; we cultivate it, creating meaningful career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and professionals who share our passion for advancing technology and strengthening the missions we serve.

We are seeking an experienced Master Scheduler with a strong technical background, a solution-oriented mindset, and a knack for innovation to manage complex IT project schedules. The ideal candidate will be an advanced user of Microsoft Project and possess the following skills:

 

• Comprehensive Project Scheduling: Proven ability to develop, maintain, and analyze highly complex, integrated master schedules (IMS) and integrated master plans (IMP) for large-scale IT programs.

• Critical Path Management: Expert-level understanding and application of critical path methodology (CPM) to identify, analyze, and manage schedule dependencies, float, and potential bottlenecks.

• Baseline Management: Proficiency in establishing, maintaining, and managing schedule baselines, including detailed variance analysis against baseline.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Ability to identify schedule-related risks, develop mitigation strategies, and incorporate schedule contingencies and opportunities.

• Forecasting & Reporting: Experience in developing accurate schedule forecasts, performance metrics, and executive-level reports that clearly communicate project status, trends, and potential impacts.

 

• Advance MSP Proficiency: Demonstrated advanced expertise in all facets of Microsoft Project (including MSP Professional and/or Project Online/Server), extending beyond basic task entry.

 

This includes:
○ Advanced Features: Custom fields, formulas, graphical indicators, filters, groups, sorts, and outline codes.
○ Multi-Project Management: Experience linking multiple projects, and managing master projects.
○ Reporting & Dashboards: Ability to create sophisticated custom reports, visual reports, and dashboards within MSP or by integrating MSP data with other tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint Power BI).
○ Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex MSP file issues, performance problems, and data integrity challenges.
○ Best Practices Implementation: Deep understanding of MSP best practices for schedule structure, data entry, and maintenance to ensure accuracy and usability.

• Data Integration & Automation: Experience with exporting/importing MSP data and potentially developing macros or scripts (VBA) to automate scheduling tasks or integrate with other systems (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, Jira, Azure DevOps).

 

Technical & IT Project Specifics:
• IT Project Lifecycle Knowledge: In-depth understanding of various IT project methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid) and their application to scheduling.
• Technical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand complex technical requirements, and software development processes, translating them into detailed schedule activities and dependencies.
• System Integration Scheduling: Specific experience scheduling complex system integration projects, including understanding data migration, API development, testing cycles (SIT, UAT), and deployment phases.
• Infrastructure & Software Deployment: Familiarity with scheduling infrastructure rollouts, software releases, patching cycles, and related technical tasks.
• Dependency Mapping: Ability to identify and map intricate technical dependencies between different IT components, teams, and external systems.

 

Analytical, Solution-Oriented & Innovative Mindset:
• ""What-If"" Scenario Analysis: Expertise in performing robust ""what-if"" analyses to evaluate alternative paths, assess impact of changes, and recommend optimal solutions for schedule compression or recovery.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to proactively identify schedule deviations, anticipate issues, and propose creative, data-driven solutions to keep projects on track.
• Process Optimization: Drive for continuous improvement in scheduling processes, tools, and methodologies, looking for innovative ways to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Ability to leverage schedule data to provide insights, support decision-making, and challenge assumptions constructively.

Communication & Collaboration:
• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate schedule status, risks, and impacts to diverse audiences, including technical teams, project managers, and executive leadership.
• Facilitation & Negotiation: Proven ability to facilitate schedule review meetings, negotiate activity durations and dependencies with project teams, and build consensus.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with project managers, technical leads, development teams, and other stakeholders.

 

Preferred Qualifications:
• PMP, PMI-SP, or other relevant project management/scheduling certifications.
• Experience with other scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Jira, Azure DevOps Boards) is a plus, demonstrating adaptability.
• Familiarity with specific IT domains relevant to your organization (e.g., Cloud migrations, Cybersecurity, ERP implementations).
Experience in a PMO environment."