Software Systems Architect Manager - Space Protection Programs

Reference: 733099BRPosted: 2026-06-22Location: Littleton, ColoradoSalary: $134,000 - $236,325Clearance: TS/SCI w/PolyCompany: Lockheed MartinDescription: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 DevOps functions. The leader will oversee software focused Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs), Component Engineers (CPEs), Software Architects, Software Systems engineers, Software Test engineers, and Agile/DevOps 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 ResponsibilitiesSystems & 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 DevOps 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 environmentBasic 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 Top Secret clearanceDesired 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 #LMSpaceSoftwareEng#SpaceNSSSecurity Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.Clearance Level: TS/SCI w/PolyOther Important Information You Should KnowExpression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.Schedule for this Position: 9x80 every other Friday offPay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $134,000 - $236,325. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information 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 and business considerations when extending an offer.Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.This position is incentive plan eligible.Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.Experience Level: Experienced ProfessionalBusiness Unit: SPACERelocation Available: PossibleCareer Area: Software EngineeringType: Full-TimeShift: First