Project Controls Specialist

We are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Controls Specialist. In this role, you will develop, maintain, and optimize detailed production schedules for machining projects, ensuring on-time delivery of precision parts while balancing machine capacity, material availability, labor resources, and customer requirements. You will serve as a key liaison between engineering, production, purchasing, quality, and customers to drive project performance, mitigate risks, and support continuous improvement in our high-precision manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include the following : Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using ERP systems (e.g., JobBOSS, Epicor, SAP, or similar) and scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Excel-based advanced planning). Convert customer orders, design drawings, and project requirements into feasible production schedules, sequencing operations such as CNC milling, turning, grinding, welding, assembly, and inspection. Collaborate closely with machinists, programmers, inspectors, engineers, purchasing, and management to resolve scheduling conflicts and ensure alignment with project milestones. Analyze shop capacity (machines, tooling, manpower) and provide accurate lead time estimates, manufacturing quotes, and workload forecasts. Monitor in-process work, track job progress on the shop floor, issue work orders / travelers, and adjust schedules in real-time to address delays, material shortages, machine downtime, or priority changes. Generate regular status reports, performance metrics (e.g., schedule variance, on-time delivery %, machine utilization), and dashboards for project and senior management. Support change control processes by evaluating impacts of engineering changes, customer revisions, or scope adjustments on schedule and resources. Qualifications & Requirements Education : Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, Project Management, Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing), or a related field preferred. Experience : 3-5+ years of scheduling / planning experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment (CNC machining, precision fabrication, or job-shop setting strongly preferred). Proven track record in project controls, production planning, or master scheduling. Technical Skills : Proficiency with ERP / MRP systems (e.g., JobBOSS, Epicor, SAP) for shop floor control and scheduling. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for advanced scheduling and data analysis); experience with Microsoft Project or similar tools a plus. Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing routings. Soft Skills : Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail. Superior communication and interpersonal skills to work across departments. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven shop environment. Preferred : APICS / CPIM certification, PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), or similar credentials. Experience in defense, aerospace, and other precision manufacturing sectors Monday-Friday : 8am - 4 : 30pm Employment Type : Full Time Years Experience : 3 - 5 years Salary : $70,000 - $100,000 Annual Bonus / Commission : No