Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
The selected candidate will support the Space Data Networking (SDN) program by prototyping an advanced hardware network appliance and a software lifecycle network management system for use with software defined networking technology.
LM shall develop and prototype key components of the architecture and shall be responsible for providing the core network management system, our enterprise software, and Orchestrator while leveraging our cybersecurity/RMF capabilities.
The primary SDN goals for LM are to prototype and deliver an open, standards-based framework, ensuring full interoperability with Government-provided third-party components, and to demonstrate integrated operations.
As a member of the NSO ground team, the responsibilities include supporting agile software design and development activities using the best software development practices as well as supporting critical test preparation and events. The candidate will have a commendable work ethic, be a results-oriented team player, creative thinker and problem-solver, collaborating with an exceptional team of software and systems engineers prototyping features and solutions and demonstrating software features and capabilities to both internal and external partners.
The information below reflects the standard job description for this position:
Plans, conducts, and coordinates software development activities. Designs, develops, documents, tests, and debugs software that contains logical and mathematical solutions to business/mission problems or questions in computer language for solutions by means of data processing equipment. Applies the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the development life cycle. Applies knowledge of computer hardware and software, subject matter to be programmed in business/mission applications, information processing techniques used, and information gathered from system users to develop software. Corrects program errors, prepares operating instructions, compiles documentation of program development, and analyzes system capabilities to resolve questions of program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls. Ensures software standards are met.
- Software development experience and proficiency in C++, Linux, and Python
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to support occasional short-term domestic business travel (up to 25%)
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, GitLab)
- Ability to obtain a US government security clearance
- Experience in application containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.) in a cloud environment (AWS/Azure/Openstack/Openshift)
- Experience designing and documenting microservice‑based architectures
- Understanding of open architecture, cloud‑computing design, and security principles
- Experience integrating software components via machine‑to‑machine interfaces (e.g., RESTful APIs, ActiveMQ, etc.)
- Experienced in space data networking
- Experience with network design processes, to include understanding of security objectives, operational objectives, and risk mitigation strategy for the information system.
- Recognized cloud practitioner and experience with Cloud Security (CCSP, AWS, CSA, CompTIA Cloud+, CCSK, or others).
- Experience in Requirements and Interface Control Document (ICD) definitions
- Experience with test automation and continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD)
- Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110300.00 - $204900.00
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
- Software development experience and proficiency in C++, Linux, and Python
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to support occasional short-term domestic business travel up to 25%
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and collaboration tools such as Jira and GitLab
- Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance
- Experience with application containerization using Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, or similar technologies in a cloud environment
- Experience designing and documenting microservice-based architectures
- Understanding of open architecture, cloud-computing design, and security principles
- Experience integrating software components through machine-to-machine interfaces such as REST APIs or ActiveMQ
- Experience in space data networking
- Experience with network design processes, security objectives, operational objectives, and risk mitigation strategies
- Cloud practitioner recognition or cloud security certifications such as CCSP, AWS, CSA, CompTIA Cloud+, or CCSK
- Experience defining requirements and Interface Control Documents
- Experience with test automation and continuous integration and deployment
- Proficiency in AI prompting as applied to the position
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.







