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
This role will provide you the opportunity to help lead a team of engineers as a functional engineering organization manager supporting all aspects of workforce management. It will also allow you to work hands on supporting the team with a variety of technical challenges, Agile team leadership, and programmatic execution ensuring our team delivers on our commitment to our customers.
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.
- Lead and manage software development using the LM standard software development lifecycle.
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 and have previous project 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 other locations.
Up to 15% travel required
Manages software development activities. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions. Oversees the design, development, documentation, and testing of 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. Ensures software standards are met.
• 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
• 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
• Avionics communication, navigation, auto pilot, air data, processing, and displays subsystems technical knowledge
• Experience with Avionics Hardware and Software Development
• General knowledge of C/C++
• Knowledge of Vehicle Systems Architectures
• Experience defining/tracking tasks, schedule, and budget
• Ability to manage, coach, train, and motivate teams
• Experience in conflict resolution, proactive communication, and building collaborative relationships
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills
• Experience working with multiple Integrated Product Teams within a program
• Strong presentation skills and ability to address complex matters/solutions with senior leaders
• Experience leading suppliers through the development process
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00
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 STEM field
- Experience in software engineering, systems engineering, system architecture, integration and test, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Experience in project management
- Technical leadership experience leading multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations
- Agile team management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Active DoD Secret clearance at start
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance with SAP/SAR access
- Avionics communication, navigation, autopilot, air data processing, or display subsystem knowledge
- Avionics hardware and software development experience
- General knowledge of C/C++
- Knowledge of vehicle systems architectures
- Experience defining and tracking tasks, schedules, and budgets
- Experience managing, coaching, training, and motivating teams
- Experience in conflict resolution and collaborative relationship building
- Experience working with multiple Integrated Product Teams
- Experience leading suppliers through the development process
- Strong presentation skills with senior leaders
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.
