SDN Backbone 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.


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 degree in engineering or science
• Experience contributing to or leading the technical response for a competitive proposal effort
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression 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 off
Pay 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 $139,600 - $246,100. 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 Professional
Business Unit: SPACE
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Systems Engineering: Other
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First