Research Engineer Principal

Standard Job Description

Serves as a recognized subject matter expert and senior technical advisor in missile design with emphasis in ballistics, armor technologies, and material systems. Provides expert-level oversight on advanced structures and materials, aerodynamics, propulsion, seekers/sensors, guidance and control, and lethality topics affecting tactical missile and survivability programs. Applies extensive technical knowledge to mentor engineers, support design reviews, and inform technical direction on complex problems.

Provides an independent, non-advocate assessment of risk to E&T leadership.

In this advisory capacity, you will make your deep technical background available to engineering teams and program leadership on a flexible, part-time basis. Your focus will be technical mentorship, guidance, reviews and training in support of department and program objectives.

• Provide expert technical guidance on ballistics, armor, materials, and overall tactical missile design problems referred by engineering teams and program leadership
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and root-cause investigations as a senior technical advisor
• Mentor and coach engineers at all levels on tactical missile design fundamentals - requirements, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, seekers/sensors, guidance & control (GNC), and lethality
• Periodically teach or contribute to short courses and training sessions on tactical missile design and related disciplines
• Advise leadership on legacy and emerging technologies, technical risks, and opportunities within areas of expertise
• Provide senior technical input to proposal, research, and technology maturation efforts as availability permits

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 15+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated expertise across the tactical missile design lifecycle - including requirements, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, seekers/sensors, guidance & navigation control (GNC), and lethality
• Recognized subject matter expertise in ballistics, armor, or advanced structures and materials as applied to flight vehicles or tactical weapon systems
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, teaching, or training engineers on tactical missile design or related disciplines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate advanced technical concepts for audiences ranging from new hires to senior technical staff

• Background in weapon system design, flight vehicle design, or airborne sensor systems
• Prior experience as a Fellow or Principal-level technical authority within a DoD or aerospace organization
• Ability to produce and present clear presentations of significant risks and issues to program- and E&T leadership to solicit action
• Active engagement with university partners or professional/academic communities on missile design topics
• Experience as an instructor or curriculum developer for tactical missile design or related coursework

Full-Time Salary Range: $182500.00 - $338900.00

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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…