This position is with Advanced Development Programs (ADP), known as the historic Skunk Works. We are looking for world-class talent for this position to join the 75+ year tradition of creating advanced aircraft and technology. The candidate will join an ADP effort as a Ground Systems Engineer supporting customer programs.
Performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems, and information technology related responsibilities including design, development, and analysis of computer systems or programs based on and related to user or system design specifications; applying systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users to determine hardware, software, or system functional specifications. Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications. For positions that do not perform IT responsibilities, use E146, Systems Engineer.
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or equivalent aviation experience/combined education.
- Active Top Secret security clearance investigation within the last 5 years
- Completed DoD IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or CCNA).
- IT experience of any combination in Windows/Linux, Database, Networking, or COMSEC
- Experience in enterprise‑wide strategies for software‑hardware integration across multiple programs, influence architecture standards and compliance frameworks.
- Prior management and experience in ground systems lifecycle (design, deployment, hardening, de‑commission) of mission‑critical Windows and Linux platforms, cloud‑hybrid resources, and high‑availability database clusters.
- Deep Systems‑Engineering Expertise – Mastery of Windows Server, Linux, virtualization (VMware, Hyper‑V), and container orchestration (Kubernetes) in secure, defense‑grade environments.
- Avionics & Flight‑Test Domain Authority – Proven track record supporting flight test complexities, real‑time telemetry, and high‑speed data acquisition systems.
- Enterprise Storage Architecture – Design and manage SAN/NAS, object storage, and data‑replication strategies for mission‑critical workloads.
- Expert RF & Fiber‑Optic Knowledge – Ability to evaluate RF propagation, spectrum allocation, and fiber‑optic link design for ground‑system test ranges.
- Network Architecture Mastery – End‑to‑end design of Cisco/Juniper networks, including MPLS, SD‑WAN, and network‑function virtualization.
- Simulation Expert - Diagnose and fix complex simulation issues, tune performance, and implement custom scripting.
- Leadership & Mentorship – Demonstrate experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, providing technical mentorship, and interface with senior leadership.
- Operational Resilience – Experience establishing N‑1/N‑2 redundancy, disaster‑recovery plans, and compliance with DoD/NSA security baselines.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $129000.00 - $239600.00
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 Data Science, Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or equivalent aviation experience and combined education
- Active Top Secret security clearance investigation within the last five years
- Completed DoD IAT Level II certification, such as Security+, CySA+, or CCNA
- IT experience with Windows or Linux, databases, networking, or COMSEC
- Experience developing enterprise-wide strategies for software-hardware integration across multiple programs and influencing architecture standards and compliance frameworks
- Prior management experience with the ground systems lifecycle, including design, deployment, hardening, and decommissioning of mission-critical Windows and Linux platforms, hybrid cloud resources, and high-availability database clusters
- Mastery of Windows Server, Linux, virtualization, and container orchestration in secure defense-grade environments
- Experience supporting flight test, real-time telemetry, and high-speed data acquisition systems
- Experience designing and managing SAN, NAS, object storage, and data replication strategies
- Knowledge of RF propagation, spectrum allocation, and fiber-optic link design for ground-system test ranges
- Experience designing Cisco and Juniper networks, including MPLS, SD-WAN, and network function virtualization
- Experience diagnosing and resolving complex simulation issues, tuning performance, and implementing custom scripting
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentoring technical staff, and interfacing with senior leadership
- Experience establishing N-1 and N-2 redundancy, disaster recovery plans, and compliance with DoD and NSA security baselines
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
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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.
