Lockheed Martin

Flight Software Engineer Staff, Space Protection Programs

Lockheed Martin$135K — $251K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in embedded software development and integration
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and Linux-based development environments
  • Strong understanding of software architecture and design for complex systems
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies and process improvements
  • Ability to lead technical execution across multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and integration of spacecraft flight software and embedded systems
  • Architect and design complex software solutions for spacecraft systems
  • Drive multidisciplinary integration activities and hardware/software co-design
  • Support Agile team activities such as Sprint Planning and backlog management
  • Provide technical mentorship and leadership to engineering teams
  • Identify and resolve technical risks and integration challenges in projects

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible work arrangements including 4x10 schedules
  • 401(k) matching contributions
  • Generous paid time off and holiday benefits
  • Parental leave and support programs
  • Education assistance for continued learning and development
  • Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage
Full Job Description
Space Protection Programs (SPP) is seeking an experienced Staff Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and delivery of mission-critical spacecraft flight software and embedded systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in complex, highly integrated environments and can lead technical execution across software, hardware, systems engineering, and integration/test activities.

The selected candidate will lead development efforts spanning the full software lifecycle including architecture, design, implementation, integration, verification, and system bring-up. This individual is expected to operate with a high degree of technical ownership and execution leadership, guiding teams through complex software and hardware integration challenges while supporting Agile program execution.

This position requires strong technical depth in embedded software development, system integration, and software architecture, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and program stakeholders.

Experience with C/C++, Python, Linux-based development environments, and object-oriented design principles is required. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in dynamic mission environments, balancing technical execution, integration priorities, and evolving program needs while mentoring less experienced engineers and driving execution toward delivery milestones.

In this role you will:

  • Lead embedded software development, software integration, and software test activities for mission-critical spacecraft and payload systems
  • Lead the architecture, design, implementation, integration, and verification of complex CSCs, CSCIs, and subsystem software capabilities
  • Drive software-software, hardware-software, and system-level integration activities across multidisciplinary teams
  • Support hardware/software co-design, system bring-up, and troubleshooting activities in embedded and real-time environments
  • Operate as a leading member of an Agile development team, supporting Agile Release Planning, Sprint Planning, backlog refinement, and execution coordination
  • Help ensure work is decomposed, execution-ready, and aligned with integration sequencing and program milestones
  • Provide technical mentorship and peer leadership to software and systems engineering teams
  • Identify technical risks, integration concerns, and execution challenges early and help drive resolution paths
  • Act as a technical role model through hands-on execution, collaboration, and ownership
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.


Basic Qualifications

  • Ability to architect and design software solutions addressing complex embedded and distributed system problems
  • Strong embedded programming experience in C/C++ and Python
  • Experience working in Linux-based development environments
  • Experience with software integration, debugging, and troubleshooting across hardware/software interfaces
  • Comfortable operating within Agile Scrum development environments


Desired Skills

  • Knowledge of embedded systems architectures and experience testing and integrating embedded systems
  • Experience integrating complex software systems with real-time, high-performance, and/or timing-constrained requirements
  • Experience with MPSoC, FPGA-adjacent, and heterogeneous compute architectures
  • Experience developing or integrating software on AMD/Xilinx Versal or related heterogeneous compute architectures supporting embedded, real-time, or high-performance mission processing applications
  • Experience with hardware/software co-design and embedded platform bring-up activities
  • Demonstrated experience using Agile methodologies in the development, integration, and test of complex software systems
  • Experience leading integration efforts across software, systems engineering, hardware, and test organizations
  • Experience supporting system architecture, interface definition, and integration strategy development
  • Experience with process improvement initiatives and execution optimization
  • Experience supporting programs across the full lifecycle from concept development through operations and sustainment
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative technical environments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical direction and build consensus across engineering teams
  • Active TS Security Clearance

#LMSpaceSoftwareEng
#Spaceembeddedsw

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed 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(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (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.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security company that engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. It also provides a range of management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Global Services, and Space Systems. Lockheed Martin was formed in 1995 from the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta. In September 2008, Lockheed Martin Corporation acquired Aculight Corporation. In January 2009, it completed its acquisition of Universal Systems & Technology, Inc. (UNITECH). In August 2009, it completed its acquisition of Gyrocam Systems LLC (Gyrocam). Gyrocam develops and supplies gyrostabilized optical surveillance systems and sustainment field services, principally to the United States military. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, a unit of the Company's Electronic Systems business area, would manage the Gyrocam business.

Lockheed Martin Careers

Joining Lockheed Martin provides more than just a job opportunity; it offers a platform to be part of a leading team dedicated to advancing global security and aerospace innovation. As a cornerstone of technological prowess, Lockheed Martin invites you to contribute to a legacy of impactful achievements in defense and technology.

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Step into a career at Lockheed Martin and you will be at the forefront of innovation and leadership. We empower our employees to lead projects that redefine industry standards and incorporate cutting-edge technology. Lockheed Martin is not just about thinking of the next big idea; it’s about making it a reality.

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Lockheed Martin is committed to the professional growth of every team member. We offer unparalleled career advancement opportunities including professional development, leadership programs, and continuous learning through our Lockheed Martin University. Whether you are looking to advance your skills in engineering, project management, or AI, Lockheed Martin is equipped to take your career to the next level.

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Explore the numerous employment opportunities on our careers page. We are continuously hiring skilled professionals eager to make a difference. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, prepare for your interview, and join a team known for its commitment to excellence and innovation.

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Lockheed Martin: Your Future is Here

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Lockheed Martin offers a range of positions and career paths that align with your ambitions and skills. Join us in our mission to solve complex challenges, advance scientific discovery, and deliver innovative solutions that make a difference.

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Learn more about Lockheed Martin
Size
114,000 employees
Market Cap
$126.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.8 billion
Founded
1995
5 Year Trend
+7.2%
Revenue
$65.3 billion
NASDAQ

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