Project Planning and Controls Specialist

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
  
  

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

• These benefits vary by job classification.
  
  

What Your Job Will Be Like

The Project Planning and Controls Specialist (PPCS) is a critical role within the Weapons Evaluation Test Laboratory (WETL) at Sandia National Laboratories in Amarillo, TX. This position is responsible for leading and participating in cross-functional project controls teams, developing and executing project plans, schedules, and budgets, and ensuring compliance with requirements. The PPCS will also provide decision support and analysis, facilitate communication with external customers, and monitor project deliverables to ensure successful execution.

The PPCS leads and administers multiple projects within the Integrated Stockpile Evaluation (ISE) Program's Weapons Evaluation Test Laboratory (WETL). You will develop, maintain, and execute detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets; manage change-control and earned value processes; and deliver clear, concise analysis and reporting to senior leadership. This role requires strong collaboration across technical and functional teams to ensure seamless integration of project elements and compliance with NNSA requirements.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with technical leads to develop, define, and execute project budgets and detailed schedules (WBS, milestones, task sequencing, duration estimation, resource loading).
• Implement and manage change-control processes; track performance against baselines using Earned Value Management (EVM) or equivalent methods.
• Analyze project forecasts and variances, identify cost/schedule risks, and recommend corrective actions.

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• Integrate risk assessments into program schedules and evaluate their impacts on cost and schedule.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate reports highlighting key technical and programmatic issues for decision makers and stakeholders.
• Serve as primary contact for internal/external reviews, assessments, and audits, ensuring compliance with project-controls standards.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Purchasing to manage contracts, purchase requests, and documentation that meet project quality requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning and controls processes by adopting best practices and advanced technology solutions.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among project teams, sponsors, and stakeholders to support project success.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of project-controls lifecycle: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.
• Expertise in cost estimation, budget development, budget tracking, and cost control.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 for schedule creation, maintenance, and analysis.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and schedule risk/uncertainty analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of briefing senior leaders and diverse technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teaming and driving project outcomes.
• Commitment to integrity, quality, and adherence to organizational policies and NNSA regulations.
  
  

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite in Amarillo, Texas. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.

Travel (1% - 25%) to Sandia Albuquerque site as required.

Salary Range

$83,200 - $160,800

• Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
  
  

Qualifications We Require

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a relevant field OR equivalent combination of relevant education and directly related experience.
• Five (5) or more years of project controls experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this role.
• Proven proficiency in Primavera P6 scheduling (required).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance
  
  

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in Integrated Stockpile Evaluation (ISE) or Weapons Evaluation Test Laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with WETL tester systems, data flows, and technical workflows.
• Proficiency in Power BI for data visualization and reporting.
• Experience with Oracle financial modules and Milestones Professional for advanced scheduling and resource tracking.
  
  

About Our Team

Interested in relocating to United State? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in United State page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

The Integrated Business & Program Operations team for Weapons Stockpile Management at Sandia National Laboratories is dedicated to ensuring the seamless execution and integration of business processes and project management activities. Our mission is to support Sandia's commitment to national security by providing robust, efficient, and tailored operational solutions that enhance the management and maintenance of the Weapons Stockpile.

We Strive To

• Optimize Integrated Business Operations: Streamline and enhance business processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in all stockpile-related activities.
• Facilitate Integration: Promote cohesive integration across various departments and functions to ensure that all aspects of stockpile management are aligned and working towards common goals.
• Deliver Program Operational Leadership: Implement customized project management strategies that address the unique challenges and requirements of weapons stockpile projects, ensuring timely and successful project completion.
• Enhance Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement, and effective communication among stakeholders.
  
  

Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to contribute to the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of the nation's weapons stockpile, supporting the overarching mission of national defense and security.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements For MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Job ID: 697352

Job Family: PM

Regular/Temporary Position: R

Full/Part-Time Status: F