You will be the Vehicle Management System (VMS) Hardware Lead - Level 5 for the Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) team which is responsible for avionics architecture, vehicle management systems, guidance and navigation, external radio communications, and air data system.

What You Will Be Doing
As the Vehicle Management System (VMS) Hardware Lead - Level 5 you will be responsible for leading a large team, driving cross‑functional collaboration, and influencing senior stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include:

- Define and execute hardware architecture strategy for VMS.
- Lead design, development, and test efforts for VMS hardware components.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration with guidance, navigation, and communications subsystems.
- Mentor and develop engineers, fostering technical excellence.
- Engage senior leadership to align technical direction with program objectives.

What’s In It For You
We are committed to supporting your work‑life balance and overall well‑being, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus – if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.

Who You Are
A collaborative technical leader with deep experience in avionics hardware, proven ability to manage large engineering teams, and strong communication skills to influence senior stakeholders. You thrive in complex, mission‑critical environments and are driven to deliver impactful solutions.

Further Information About This Opportunity

This position is in Palmdale, CA Discover Palmdale.

MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access. The selected candidate must possess an active Secret clearance to start.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in avionics hardware and embedded software development; at least 3 years in a senior technical leadership role
- Proven expertise in DO 178C (software) and DO 254 (hardware) life cycle processes
- Proficiency with C/C++, Python, and/or model based development (CAMEO/MATLAB/Simulink)
- Deep knowledge of avionics architecture including vehicle management systems, guidance and navigation, external radio communications, and/or air data system
Desired Skills:
- Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline
- Familiarity with safety critical analysis (FMEA, FMECA) and application to development efforts
- Prior experience on prototype, experimental, or developmental classified programs
- Deep knowledge of the full development cycle with particular emphasis on supplier qualification testing and system checkouts (SCOs) on prototype or low-rate production programs
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, matrixed teams, drive cross functional collaboration, and influence senior stakeholders
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: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
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 $122,900 - $216,660. 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, candidates work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as spanet 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.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $141,300 - $244,835. 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, candidates work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as spanet 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.
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 worlds 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: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Aeronautical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First

- Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline
- Familiarity with safety critical analysis (FMEA, FMECA) and application to development efforts
- Prior experience on prototype, experimental, or developmental classified programs
- Deep knowledge of the full development cycle with particular emphasis on supplier qualification testing and system checkouts (SCOs) on prototype or low-rate production programs
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, matrixed teams, drive cross functional collaboration, and influence senior stakeholders