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.

• 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

• 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

• 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…