At Lockheed Martin we 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 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. This is a place for engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers who are ready to engage deeply, think critically, and build with purpose. You will not just launch a career. You will be part of something bigger. This is where the best are built.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking a full-time Early Career Flight Test Engineer supporting the F-35B and F-35C aircraft as a Test Conductor within the F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF), NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Position will work with military, contractor, and civil service personnel as members of the flight test team. Overtime, non-standard shifts, and weekend work will be required.
In this role you will:
• Develop and publish test plans and flight test cards
• Determine and communicate aircraft test requirements and configuration to responsible engineering, maintenance, instrumentation, and flight operations personnel to ensure aircraft readiness
• Comply with published test safety plans and standard operating procedures
• Conduct test missions and perform test mission briefings and debriefings, after meeting qualification requirements
• Evaluate results from flight activities and incorporate "lessons learned" into future test activities
The successful candidate will have a general understanding of aircraft capabilities and/or flight test techniques with some engineering experience and proficiency in MS Office tools. Must be a US Citizen; this position will require a government security clearance. This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
- Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering or related engineering major
- 2 years professional experience OR no experience with a related Masters degree
- General understanding of aircraft capabilities and/or flight test techniques
- Proficient in MS Office tools
- Understanding of aircraft capabilities and test techniques for modern fighter aircraft
- Prior flight test program experience including real-time mission conduct
- Demonstrated advanced communication and coordination skills
- Experience with and understanding of the principles of situational awareness and crew resource management
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $79300.00 - $147300.00
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 Aeronautical Engineering or a related engineering major
- Two years of professional experience, or no experience with a related master's degree
- General understanding of aircraft capabilities and flight test techniques
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain a government security clearance and required special access
- Understanding of aircraft capabilities and test techniques for modern fighter aircraft
- Prior flight test program experience, including real-time mission conduct
- Advanced communication and coordination skills
- Understanding of situational awareness and crew resource management principles
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.
