Quest Defense is seeking a cleared Project Management Specialist to provide planning, scheduling, task management, structured problem solving, and operational execution support within an advanced aerospace engineering environment.
The individual will partner with engineering leadership and technical teams to develop and maintain task sheets, integrated schedules, Gantt charts, action registers, operating-review inputs, and visual-management tools. This role requires an individual who can translate technical-team inputs into clear execution plans, identify dependencies and schedule risks, and maintain disciplined follow-through within a classified work environment.
The successful candidate must either be willing to obtain or have an active U.S. SECRET security clearance and be eligible for nomination and access to the assigned customer space. Depending on access timing, the individual may initially support other approved projects or unclassified activities. This role is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH.
Potential Job Functions:
Lead daily stand-ups, Project/Line of balance (LOB) meetings
Develop and track engineering project schedules
Track schedule, commit dates & delivery of critical engine hardware
Track/communication of action items
Prepare project schedule variance and recovery plan
Provide weekly progress updates on existing issues until items are closed
Review issue logs on a daily basis and acknowledge and process new issues
Manage/coordinate due dates on a weekly basis to prevent issues from becoming overdue
Participate in internal team calls to engage help where needed to resolve issues
Interact with multiple organizations and management levels
Leverage internal contacts to drive issues to closure
Prepare & present weekly & monthly reports
Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, business, operations, supply chain, or related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
5+ years of experience leading (project management) of engineering or technically driven projects
5-9 years of experience with Aerospace/Aircraft Engines
Working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or other scheduling software
Knowledge of engineering processes:
Engineering change process
Customer gated review process
Design reviews process
Experience developing and maintaining project schedules or Gantt charts.
Experience managing tasks, milestones, dependencies, actions, and due dates.
Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Ability to structure incomplete or complex information into practical execution plans.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to coordinate with engineering and leadership stakeholders.
Ability to work full-time on-site in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Must be a U.S. person as defined by applicable export-control requirements.
Active U.S. government SECRET security clearance Or eligible and willing to obtain.
Ability to obtain and maintain access to the assigned classified customer environment
Preferred Qualifications
Aerospace or defense industry experience.
Experience working in classified engineering or program environments.
Experience supporting engineering design teams or advanced technology programs.
Experience with Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, Open Plan, or similar scheduling tools.
Familiarity with critical-path analysis, schedule recovery, and dependency management.
Experience with Lean, FLIGHT DECK, Daily Management, or structured problem-solving methods.
Experience preparing weekly, monthly, or executive operating-review inputs.
Experience with Power BI, Tableau, Spotfire, or similar visualization tools.
Previous experience supporting GE Aerospace or another major aerospace organization.
Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.
Substantial amounts of telephone, video conferencing and computer work.
Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.
Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.
Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM
Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations
Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The QDSS Advantage:
At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.
What You’ll Find Here
Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.
Benefits Include
Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
Pay Ranges
$85,000 — $92,000 USD