SDN Backbone 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.

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.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

Lockheed Martin is looking for a dynamic Chief Engineer to lead a cutting edge space-based program.

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.

As the Chief Engineer
, you will be accountable for:
Technical integrity of the system and assigned products to meet the customer's needs within the program's cost and schedule constraints
All technical activities on the programs and initiatives assigned, as the senior technical professional
Promoting best practices and engineering processes execution and improvement across the program
Leveraging the full capabilities of LM Space and supporting enterprise initiatives
In this capacity you will:
Be the primary technical authority on the program, responsible for 100% mission success
Drive top technical issue resolution, chair key Failure Review Boards (FRBs), Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), and Critical Integration Reviews (CIRs)
In coordination with Mechanical and Electrical Systems Engineers, lead a technical team of cross-functional engineers to ensure successful product and system development and execution, across the program life cycle.
Serve as the system's Executive Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) and define the CPE hierarchy and product certification approach for the program
Ensure standard technical methods are in use and implement appropriate engineering processes aligned to mission success and the program profile
Approve any waivers to engineering processes in coordination with the appropriate functional department
Be the technical conscience of the program or product area
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 with one or more subsystems or disciplines
Experience driving subcontractor technical activities from proposal through final delivery and certification
Demonstrated experience with design reviews, integration and test
Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve technical issues/challenges
Detailed knowledge of engineering and program planning throughout development, design, build, test, and integration phases
U.S. citizenship required to maintain /Obtain Secret clearance

Desired skills

Experience as CPE or RSE
Prior experience as an LM Space Chief Engineer
Experience working as an Electrical Systems Engineer, Mechanical Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Systems Engineer, or experience defining and/or testing HW and HW/SW interfaces
Experience interfacing and partnering with government customers
Experience across multiple life cycle phases including development and into production, test and operations
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…