Who We Are
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is seeing a world-class engineering leader to drive the Ground Vehicle Management System (GVMS) software effort. GVMS delivers mission-critical command & control for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Why Join Us?
- Working on cutting-edge avionics and ground station software, from lab prototype to field-tested flight-worthy product.
- Hybrid schedule – 4-day work week (Mon-Thu) & flexible hours.
- Career acceleration, leading a multi-site, multidisciplinary team while continuing hands-on development.
- Competitive compensation, premium benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct ADP program work force planning (Reassignments/placements, recruitment, selection of new employees, and terminations)
- Mentor, coach, and develop engineers across multiple locations; define clear paths and performance goals.
- Drive team culture with proactive communication, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration with Aeronautics, other business units, and external partners.
- Lead planning and execution of internal and customer-sponsored technology roadmaps; track cost, schedule, and earned-value performance.
- Remain an active contributor to the software code base (C/C++/Lua) while overseeing architecture & integration.
- Own end-to-end software lifecycle
- Coordinate system-level requirements, design reviews, unit test strategies, configuration management, and defect tracking in an Agile environment.
This position is located in Palmdale, CA, but will work closely with ADP personnel in both Fort Worth, TX and Marietta, GA.
Travel
Up to 10% domestic travel for integration, test events, and other customer engagements.
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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.
- B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- Active DoD Secret clearance (must be current). Ability to obtain Top Secret with SAP/SAR.
- 5+ years of software development experience; proficiency in C/C++ and modern toolchains (make/CMake, Git)
- Minimum 2 years of technical lead or other leadership experience
- Hands-on Agile/Scrum experience, including peer reviews, unit testing, configuration management, and defect tracking.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and external customers
Security & Eligibility
- Candidates must hold an Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for Top Secret SAP/SAR.
- Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Must be a U.S. citizen in order to obtain the required facility access.
- Development of avionics/flight-critical software (experience with MIL-STD-516C, MIL-HDBK-1797, AC-17-01, DO-178)
- Experience with Python or Lua
- Experiencing with networking protocols (IP, UDP, RTP) and real-time data links
- Proven track record delivering projects under tight schedules while meeting or exceeding earned-value targets.
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 Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline
- Advanced degree
- Active DoD Secret clearance
- Eligibility for Top Secret SAP/SAR access
- U.S. citizenship
- 5 or more years of software development experience
- Proficiency in C/C++ and modern toolchains including Make/CMake and Git
- At least 2 years of technical lead or other leadership experience
- Hands-on Agile/Scrum experience, including peer reviews, unit testing, configuration management, and defect tracking
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to present to senior leadership and external customers
- Experience developing avionics or flight-critical software
- Experience with MIL-STD-516C, MIL-HDBK-1797, AC-17-01, or DO-178
- Experience with Python or Lua
- Experience with IP, UDP, RTP, and real-time data links
- Track record delivering projects under tight schedules while meeting or exceeding earned-value targets
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.
