Software Systems Architect Manager - Space Protection Programs

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.

Space Protection Programs (SPP) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Software Systems Architect Manager to lead the strategy and evolution of Spacecraft Flight Software (FSW) Systems across a multi-program portfolio.

This is a Level 5 technical leadership role responsible for driving system-level execution across software systems engineering, integration, test, and Dev Ops functions. The leader will oversee software focused Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs), Component Engineers (CPEs), Software Architects, Software Systems engineers, Software Test engineers, and Agile/Dev Ops teams, ensuring aligned execution from requirements through integration and mission delivery.

This role operates in a mission-critical, highly integrated environment where success depends on disciplined execution, tight coordination across teams, and consistent delivery of integrated, verified capabilities.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on systems thinker and execution leader who energies strategic execution, thrives in complexity, drives clarity in ambiguous environments, and ensures engineering teams deliver integrated, mission-ready systems.

Key Responsibilities
Systems & Execution Leadership
Lead end-to-end execution of flight software systems engineering across multiple programs within the SPP portfolio
Ensure alignment between system architecture, requirements, verification strategy, and software execution
Integration, Verification & Delivery Ownership
Using SW RSEs and CPEs, drive resolution of integration issues across hardware, software, and external interfaces and ensure integration readiness and execution sequencing across development teams and programs
Oversee software verification and validation planning in coordination with systems engineering and test organizations

Agile Execution & Program Delivery
Train the team on Agile concepts supporting consistent execution cadences across teams, ensure backlogs reflect true system priorities, integration dependencies, and mission-critical sequencing
Support standardization of metrics and execution data to forecast delivery, identify risks, and manage program health

Leadership, Talent & Organizational Development
Lead workforce planning, staffing strategy, hiring decisions, and team growth across software architecture, software systems engineering, test, and Dev Ops functions
Foster a high-accountability execution culture focused on ownership, integration discipline, and delivery outcomes ensure engineering teams are aligned, engaged, and executing effectively within a complex multi-program environment

Basic Qualifications

What We're Looking For
Proven leadership experience in software engineering and systems execution in aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical environments

Understanding of embedded systems, flight software, or safety-critical system development

Strong systems engineering mindset with experience spanning software, hardware, and integration domains
Hands-on experience with Agile execution at scale, including backlog management, release planning, and delivery governance

Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program controls, and performance tracking

Strong ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing engineering teams

Active TS/SCI w CI Poly required

Desired skills

Prior Spacecraft Flight Software development experience

Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-team, multi-program engineering execution efforts

Knowledge of embedded systems architectures and test experience using embedded systems.

Agile development experience

Prior engineering management or project lead experience including task planning, resource management, and employee development and mentoring

Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs

Experience working in technical teams across multiple locations Integration and test experience with large complex software systems

Continuous integration experience

Excellent communication skills with ability to engage technical teams, program leadership, and customers

TS/SCI with CI Poly

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