SDN Experimentation Chief Engineer

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 Space Mesh 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…