The Lockheed Martin Optical Talent Center has need for an Optical Engineer to facilitate the development and integration of cameras for Space Missions to protect our national interests and those of our allies. The Optical Detector Team consists of a diverse group of talented engineers who address the needs of multiple space missions across the enterprise ranging from fast paced cube satellite programs to manned space flight projects. This specific role is for an optical engineer who can facilitate the development and integration of camera systems from a subcontractor into satellite systems. An engineer interested in this role should be comfortable with the following core duties:
- Evaluate and provide technical advice on space qualifiable camera systems with the support of subject matter experts to inform program decisions by stakeholder leadership
- Establish and maintain lines of communication between subcontractors and stakeholders to report on development progress of camera systems intended for space use
- Lead a team to shepherd subcontracted camera subsystems through testing, space qualification, higher level integration, and ultimate delivery to customers
- Contribute to reviews of new business efforts and collaborate with Independent Research and Development projects to mature technology for new space products
- Conduct laboratory risk reduction testing and planning to support program development
- Develop and maintain a data library to support product certification upon delivery to the customer
- Facilitate full rate production of a qualified space system
Performance of these duties will be conducted full time on site in Sunnyvale, CA.
About Lockheed Martin
We at Lockheed Martin keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges by bringing together people that use their passion for purposeful innovation.
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 development 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. At Lockheed Martin, we place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering innovation, integrity, and exemplifying the epitome of corporate responsibility. Your Mission is Ours.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or similar technical subject
- 2 Years of Experience with laboratory testing and reporting
- 3 Years of Experience with leading multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver a completed product
- Practical familiarity with Optical Systems, Cameras, and/or Detectors (Visible and/or Infrared)
- Able to directly support multiple space flight programs simultaneously as part of a engineering team
- Eligibility and desire to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
- US Citizenship
- 2 Years of experience will full rate production of space systems
- 2 Years of experience with Assembly, Integration, and Test of Space Systems
- 2 Years of Experience with optical systems to facilitate automated image recognition
- 2 Years of Experience with qualification of hardware for space applications
- Generally has 5+ years of related experience and may have a post-secondary degree or training in a related discipline
- Strong organizational skills to facilitate the tracking and review of design artifacts from subcontractors for internal review by multiple teams of subject matter experts
- Strong written and oral communication skills sufficient to present technical topics to non-technical audiences
- Previous work authoring and interpretating system level requirements for development subcontracts involving space systems
- Previous work with the Verification and Validation of system requirements for space products
- Thesis based Master’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or similar technical subject
- Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance with eligibility and desire to obtain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $150800.00 - $280000.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed 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(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a similar technical field
- At least 2 years of experience with laboratory testing and reporting
- At least 3 years of experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver completed products
- Practical familiarity with optical systems, cameras, and/or visible or infrared detectors
- Ability to support multiple spaceflight programs simultaneously as part of an engineering team
- Eligibility and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 2 years of experience with full-rate production of space systems
- At least 2 years of experience with assembly, integration, and testing of space systems
- At least 2 years of experience with optical systems supporting automated image recognition
- At least 2 years of experience qualifying hardware for space applications
- Generally 5 or more years of related experience
- Strong organizational skills for tracking and reviewing subcontractor design artifacts
- Strong written and oral communication skills for presenting technical topics to nontechnical audiences
- Experience authoring and interpreting system-level requirements for space-system development subcontracts
- Experience with verification and validation of system requirements for space products
- Thesis-based master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a similar technical field
- Proficiency in AI prompting as applied to the position
- Active DoD Secret security clearance and eligibility and willingness to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance
Lockheed Martin Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lockheed Martin and has not been reviewed or approved by Lockheed Martin.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout element, with a strong 401(k) program and options like an employee stock purchase plan. Feedback suggests these features meaningfully enhance total compensation and long‑term financial security.
-
Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is portrayed as comprehensive from day one, with multiple plan options, mental health resources, and virtual care. Wellness supports such as on‑site services and preventive programs are also highlighted.
-
Flexible Benefits — Work arrangements often include compressed schedules and telework, contributing to a favorable work‑life balance. Feedback suggests this flexibility is a key reason many view the overall package positively.
Lockheed Martin Insights
What We Do
Customer Focus, Innovation and Purpose are Built Into Everything We Do. Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours ™. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
