Production Scheduling Systems Specialist
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our mission, vision, and values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! Leidos' Defense Systems Mechanical Manufacturing Facility is seeking a Production Scheduling Systems Specialist to support and enhance our advanced planning and scheduling capabilities in Huntsville, Alabama. This highly technical role will be a key driver in deploying, maturing, and sustaining our APS platform (Dynafact DMS or equivalent). Initially focused on system configuration, data validation, and cross-functional rollout, this position will transition into the primary super-user and scheduling systems stewardensuring accurate, reliable, and optimized schedules for complex machining and manufacturing programs. This is an exciting opportunity for an expert in ERP / MRP / APS systems, manufacturing data structures, and production scheduling logic to shape the future of planning across multiple sites.
Leidos Defense Systems Sector / Manufacturing provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
Primary Responsibilities
- APS Deployment, Configuration & Administration
- Lead configuration, setup, and deployment of Dynafact DMS (or equivalent APS), including calendars, work centers, routings, constraints, resource definitions, and scheduling logic.
- Validate integration between Deltek Costpoint (MRP), APS, and MES systems; perform routine data synchronization and reconciliation audits.
- Establish and document best practices, standard work, and system governance for master data accuracy (lead times, queue times, capacity, labor standards).
- Troubleshoot interface errors, missing data, and routing discrepancies; coordinate corrective actions with IT, engineering, and production.
- Develop and maintain system dashboards, audit tools, and performance indicators.
- Scheduling & Capacity Optimization
- Build, analyze, and optimize daily / weekly / monthly schedules using APS-generated recommendations.
- Conduct capacity loading, rough-cut capacity planning, and constraint-based scheduling analyses to identify bottlenecks and scenario impacts.
- Model "what-if" simulations for machine downtime, priority shifts, engineering changes, or customer-driven delivery changes.
- Provide clear insight into forecast impacts, backlog health, resource utilization, throughput, and long-term capacity trends.
- Execution Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support schedulers and planners in interpreting APS outputs and resolving discrepancies between ERP-planned orders and APS schedules.
- Coordinate machining schedules with downstream integration sites to ensure material readiness and uninterrupted build flow.
- Facilitate cross-functional schedule reviews; communicate risks, load challenges, and recovery plans.
- Serve as technical escalation point for schedule conflicts, routing issues, or system constraints.
- Training, Change Management & Continuous Improvement
- Create training materials, SOPs, and reference guides for planners, schedulers, supervisors, and operations teams.
- Conduct hands-on training sessions to expand system adoption and scheduling literacy.
- Lead continuous improvement projects that enhance scheduling accuracy, reduce WIP aging, improve on-time starts / completions, or streamline master data.
- Champion advanced planning and scheduling concepts (finite capacity planning, Theory of Constraints, flow optimization).
- Serve as lead master scheduling resource, providing guidance to junior scheduling team members.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or in lieu of a degree an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.Advanced proficiency in Deltek Costpoint, Dynafact DMS, or equivalent ERP / APS systems.Advanced understanding of MRP / MPS principles, capacity planning, and resource leveling.Strong ability to analyze data and identify trends for effective planning.Demonstrated analytical skills using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.Aptitude for finding solutions to complex scheduling and production challenges.Effective communication skills to coordinate with various teams and departments.Must be a US Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance OR meet the eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a Secret Clearance.Preferred Qualifications
Experience in aerospace or defense machining or fabrication environments.Experience deploying APS or MES systems, or acting as a super-user / system administrator.Familiarity with Lean, Theory of Constraints, and flow-based scheduling practices.APICS / ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or PMP certification.Demonstrated success standardizing scheduling approaches across multiple shared-resource facilities.Ability to interpret large datasets to isolate root causes and drive corrective actions.