SDN Experimentation Chief Engineer

Job Description

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.

***This position is contingent upon contract award to Lockheed Martin. Estimated award date is currently August 2026. The applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Any job offers extended to chosen candidates will include a contingency clause stating that the offer is dependent on Lockheed Martin securing the contract.***

The selected candidate will provide technical leadership of the Space Data Networking Experimentation (SDNX) risk reduction program responsible for fielding technologies to support a future Hybrid Space Network (HSN) by prototyping an advanced hardware network appliance and a software lifecycle network management system for use with software defined networking technology.

LM will develop and prototype key components of the HSN architecture and be responsible for providing the core network management system, our Horizon enterprise software, and SpaceMesh Orchestrator while leveraging our cybersecurity/RMF capabilities.
Your role at LM Space is critical for the successful development of the most advanced technology and complex systems in the world. You will be the chief technical authority for a team that works closely with the Program Manager and customer to develop technical solutions, drive affordability, and lead development on this critical program. Prior experience as a Systems or Software engineer with domain knowledge of ground systems, networks, and integration & test of enterprise software products is required.

You will be accountable for:
Technical integrity of the product to meet the customer's needs within the program's cost and schedule constraints
All technical activities on the SDNX program, as the senior technical professional to include support to systems engineering / architecture scope
Promoting best practices and engineering processes execution and improvement across the program
Leveraging the full capabilities of LM Space and supporting enterprise initiatives
Be the technical conscience of the program
Support Mission Segment CE and Line of Business strategic direction
Provide timely communications with LM leadership with a focus on placing events and issues in the right broader context (e.g. relative risk, impacts and implications) as the technical execution quality conscious of the program
Serve as a key point of contact and advocate for the Engineering team with program management, other program segments / IPTs, external partners and subcontractors

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience as a technical lead for hardware or software development
Demonstrated experience with design reviews, integration and test
Design and test experience with one or more subsystems or disciplines
U.S. citizenship required to maintain or obtain for TS/SCI clearance

Desired skills

Prior experience as an LM Space Chief Engineer or Systems Engineering lead
10+ years overall technical experience covering full product life cycle, from development through operations
Knowledge of optical and RF communication systems design or operations
Experience interfacing and partnering with government customers
Experience executing systems engineering functions throughout a program's lifecycle
Experience as CPE or RSE as well as delivering ground hardware or software
Experience across multiple life cycle phases including prototyping, experimentation, development, production, test and operations
Experience driving subcontractor technical activities from proposal through final delivery and certification
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams and lead multiple teams to communicate and coordinate work as one team with common goals
Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve technical issues/challenges
Demonstrated ability to lead resolution of complex problems and investigations
Experience working with a geographically diverse team
Detailed knowledge of engineering and program planning throughout development, design, build, test, and integration phases
Knowledge and application of engineering processes and Command Media
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong social skills, and ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members, leadership, subordinates, and customers
Master's degree in engineering or science
Active TS/SCI clearance

EEO

Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.

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At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.

Other Important Information

By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.

Work Schedule Information

Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.

National Pay Statement

Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $139,600 - $246,100. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information 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 and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(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.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

Premium Pay Statement

Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $160,500 - $278,300. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information 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 and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.