JOB ID: 732034BR
Date posted: Jun. 22, 2026
Description:
WHO WE ARE
The Skunk Works (Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs) is looking for world-class talent in Software Engineering Leadership to be a part of a team that will carry on our 80-year tradition-making history in advanced aircraft development. The vehicle management software team writes software for a wide range of aircraft subsystems that make an airplane fly. We are a highly innovative, multi-site, fast paced team developing modular and reusable software to support both our current platforms and the aircraft of the future. We operate out of the Skunk Works headquarters in Palmdale, CA in a fully onsite and hands on team.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
3-day weekend every weekend! 4-10 Mon-Thursday option + Flexible Schedules
This team is working new development software where our team members get to work hands on through the entire software development lifecycle from software design, coding, integrating, and lab and field testing. You will work and help lead a talented and passionate team who is involved within the company as well as outside of the workplace. You will be able to use this opportunity to grow your leadership skills in both technical and personnel management.
You will be joining a very open and inquisitive team filled with diverse perspectives and a common mission. Join us onsite in sunny Palmdale, California, where our team operates on a flexible schedule to enhance work-life balance.
YOUR IMPACT
You will be able to take your passion for leadership along with your technical expertise in software and avionics use it to lead software development for a wide range of aircraft systems supporting both rapid prototyping efforts and deliverable software.
This position will work on a Vehicle Systems Software Development team. Responsibilities include:
- Skunk Works program work force management (Re-assignments/placements, recruitment, selection of new employees, and terminations)
- Personnel Management (training, mentoring, career development, performance/compensation, and promotions)
- Management responsibility will include significant collaboration with Skunk Works programs, Aeronautics Programs, other Business Units, and Industry. The successful candidate will be expected to support communications with all levels of employees, customers, and industry from engineer up to executive. Strong skills in conflict resolution, proactive communication, building collaborative relationships, and other "soft skills" are desired.
- Support pursuit and management of internal and customer sponsored technology roadmaps.
- Interface with LM Aero, other business units, external customers, and suppliers to develop new technologies and transition them to LM Aero programs.
The candidate must have a good understanding of Agile Software development. The ideal candidate will understand cost and schedule drivers in support of their engineers on a program in order to find and drive solutions. Previous program management experience executing highly dynamic projects within short timelines while meeting/exceeding earned value objectives.
This position is located in Palmdale, CA but will work closely with Skunk Works personnel in across the LM Aeronautics locations.
Travel up to 10% may be required.
Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
** Candidates must possess an Active DoD Secret clearance to start, and have the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance with SAP/SAR **
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in a STEM field
- Experience in software engineering, systems engineering, system architecture, integration/test, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Experience in Project Management
- Technical leadership experience with the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team in multiple locations
- Avionics communication, navigation, auto pilot, air data, processing, and displays subsystems technical knowledge
- Technical/Development/Integration Experience
- Experience defining/tracking tasks, schedule, and budget
- Avionics architecture experience with Mil-Std-1553 and Ethernet interfaces
- Experience working with multiple Integrated Product Teams within a program
- Program/Project Management experience
- Agile team management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Must be a US Citizen
- Candidates must possess an active DoD Secret clearance to start, and have the ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance with SAP/SAR
Desired Skills:
- Experience with Avionics Hardware and Software Development
- Strong organizational, planning and time management skills
- Leadership experience working with, or for senior levels of Department of Defense
- Strong presentation skills and ability to address complex matters/solutions with senior leaders
- Experience leading suppliers through the development process
- Ability to manage, coach, train, and motivate teams
- General knowledge of C/C++
Security Clearance Statement:
This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level:
Top Secret with Investigation or CV date within 5 years
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest:
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely:
Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules:
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position:
4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $113,900 - $200,905. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $131,000 - $227,125. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level:
Experienced Professional
Business Unit:
AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available:
Possible
Career Area:
Software Engineering
Type:
Full-Time
Shift:
First
At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.
Pioneering Defense Technology: From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can innovate mission solutions alongside the best minds in the business.
United By Culture: Excellence, integrity, and collaboration define us. We accelerate change and embrace one another’s perspectives to win for our customers.
Real Impact, Real Growth: Grow your career and skills for life. Our wide array of opportunities and technology-driven learning programs enable your development and agility.
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules designed so you thrive — at work and beyond.
Empowered to Be Your Best: Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities, and our planet.
Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer:
Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
Levels: Student, Entry, Mid, Senior, Management
Locations: Nationwide & OCONUS Positions
