Oversees and manages the operational aspects of ongoing projects and serves as liaison between project management and planning, project team, and line management. Reviews status of projects and budgets; manages schedules and prepares status reports. Assesses project issues and develops resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and client-satisfaction goals and objectives. Develops mechanisms for monitoring project progress and for intervention and problem solving with project managers, line managers, and clients.
Position SummaryThe Production Operations Lead will own all production‑operations aspects of an advanced missile development program, driving design‑for‑producibility, manufacturing transition, and lifecycle scalability. This role acts as the primary liaison among project management, engineering, line management, and the customer, ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality targets are met.
Primary Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management- Lead a multidisciplinary team of Manufacturing Engineers, Production Planning & Control specialists, Industrial Engineers, Advanced Manufacturing personnel, and a financial analyst group.
- Mentor and develop team members to execute strategy and tactics that meet program goals.
- Ensure manufacturability is incorporated early in the design/development process.
- Establish and implement detailed manufacturing transition plans, including tooling, process qualification, and supplier hand‑offs.
- Oversee DfM input during engineering reviews and DfM targeted events
- Own rate and capacity planning for both internal facilities and key suppliers.
- Oversee schedule, cost, and quality performance for all production activities.
- Manage the make‑vs‑buy decision process, coordinating with Global Supply Chain and Finance.
- Champion quality initiatives that guarantee repeatable, repeat‑able production outcomes.
- Support hardware‑process development in partnership with the Engineering Design & Manufacturing Engineering team.
- Partner with Advanced Manufacturing & Technology, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Test Engineering, Business Operations, and Program Management to align on program milestones.
- Present production‑operations status and risks at Program Review Boards, Customer Reviews, and other key forums.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
- Broad base of knowledge regarding electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical production
- Previous operations related experience in a production environment
- Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization, including with non‑technical personnel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated skill in team building, leading through influence, and making decisions with limited information
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
- Related professional‑level career experience in production operations
- Lean Six Sigma Green‑ or Black‑Belt certification
- Production‑Operations leadership experience (including program development with strong cross‑functional collaboration)
- Experience in capacity and capital planning
- Broad knowledge of assembly and test methods, with practical application experience
- First‑unit flow planning and execution
- Experience with make‑buy generation and strategy formulation
- Design of manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, machining, and material handling
- Control Account Manager Experience (CAM) or cost‑analysis experience
- Familiarity with Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) concepts and hands‑on experience
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00
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 a related discipline
- Broad knowledge of electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical production
- Previous operations-related experience in a production environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel at all organizational levels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Team building, leadership through influence, and decision-making with limited information
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
- Professional-level career experience in production operations
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Production-operations leadership experience with cross-functional program development
- Experience in capacity and capital planning
- Knowledge and practical experience with assembly and test methods
- First-unit flow planning and execution experience
- Make-versus-buy generation and strategy formulation experience
- Experience designing manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts
- Control Account Manager or cost-analysis experience
- Familiarity with Manufacturing Readiness Level concepts and hands-on experience
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
