Lockheed Martin

Principal Engineer - Design for Automation

Lockheed Martin$166K — $288K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
  • 15+ years in engineering, advanced manufacturing, or New Product Introduction.
  • Experience designing complex mechanical systems with manufacturing collaboration.
  • Proficient in launching new products from concept to production.
  • Skilled in developing automated manufacturing processes and production systems.
  • Knowledge of Design for Automation and related principles.
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Responsibilities

  • Develop Design for Automation methodologies for rotorcraft programs.
  • Establish engineering standards and design guidelines for automation.
  • Collaborate with design teams to integrate manufacturability and production readiness.
  • Define design requirements for efficient and scalable production systems.
  • Apply lessons from NPI programs to aircraft architecture influence.
  • Work with manufacturing teams to ensure capabilities are reflected in design standards.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging manufacturing technologies into development processes.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • Life Insurance and Disability benefits (Short- and Long-Term).
  • 401(k) matching contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts and Education Assistance.
  • Parental Leave for new parents.
  • Paid time off and Holidays.
Full Job Description
Job Description

THE WORK

Sikorsky Innovations is seeking a Principal Engineer - Design for Automation to help establish the engineering methodology that will define how the next generation of Sikorsky aircraft is designed for automated production.

Working at the intersection of product design, advanced manufacturing, automation, and New Product Introduction (NPI), you will develop the engineering methods, design standards, and best practices that enable future rotorcraft to be designed for highly automated manufacturing from day one.

This role focuses on influencing product design at the earliest stages of development. You will partner with engineering teams to embed Design for Automation principles into future aircraft, ensuring manufacturing capability, automation, affordability, quality, and production readiness are treated as fundamental design requirements.

Leveraging experience launching new products, standing up advanced manufacturing cells, and collaborating across engineering and manufacturing organizations, you will help establish the design processes that connect product innovation with next-generation manufacturing capabilities.

As a key member of our team, you will:

  • Develop and implement Design for Automation methodologies for next-generation rotorcraft programs.
  • Establish engineering standards, design guidelines, and best practices that enable highly automated manufacturing and assembly.
  • Partner with aircraft design teams throughout the product development lifecycle to incorporate automation, manufacturability, affordability, quality, and production readiness into product designs.
  • Define engineering design requirements that enable efficient, scalable, and highly automated production systems.
  • Apply lessons learned from New Product Introduction programs and automated manufacturing environments to influence future aircraft architectures.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, industrial engineering, automation, and operations teams to translate manufacturing capabilities into engineering design standards.
  • Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and integrate their capabilities into future engineering methodologies and product development processes.
  • Serve as a technical leader for Design for Automation across Sikorsky's next-generation aircraft development efforts.


Please Note: U.S. Citizenship is required, as most assigned programs and projects are ITAR restricted.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 15 or more years of progressive engineering experience in product design, advanced manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, or New Product Introduction.
  • Demonstrated experience designing complex mechanical systems while partnering closely with manufacturing organizations.
  • Experience supporting New Product Introduction from concept through production launch.
  • Experience developing or implementing automated manufacturing cells, production systems, or advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, and Design for Automation principles.
  • Experience developing engineering standards, design methodologies, or technical best practices.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional engineering teams and drive technical direction without direct authority.


Desired skills

  • Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience developing clean-sheet products or next-generation platforms.
  • Experience designing products for highly automated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience integrating manufacturing requirements into product design during early development.
  • Knowledge of robotics, digital engineering, digital twins, Model-Based Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Industry 4.0, or intelligent manufacturing technologies.
  • Experience with advanced composites, lightweight structures, or complex mechanical assemblies.
  • Systems-thinking mindset with the ability to balance product performance, manufacturability, automation, affordability, and production scalability.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering organizations.


Work Schedule Information

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.

National Pay Statement

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 $144,600 - $255,070. 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.

Premium Pay Statement

Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $166,400 - $288,305. 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.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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.

Work You’ll Do

At Lockheed Martin, your role will extend beyond fulfilling job responsibilities to reshaping the future of aerospace and defense. Our team at Lockheed Martin is engaged in critical missions that protect citizens and advance the boundaries of science. From engineering to cybersecurity, the opportunities for professional growth are boundless.

Innovate and Lead

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.

Professional Growth and Development

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity drives innovation. Lockheed Martin fosters an inclusive culture that embraces diversity in thoughts and experiences. Through diversity training and networking, we ensure that every employee can thrive. Our leadership is committed to building a diverse workforce where everyone is heard, respected, and valued.

Internship and Early Career Opportunities

Kickstart your career with Lockheed Martin’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects, gaining invaluable industry experience. Internships often lead to full-time positions, as we love to see young professionals grow into future leaders within our company.

Benefits and Culture

Lockheed Martin is renowned for its vibrant culture and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the various needs of our diverse team. From competitive salaries and health benefits to employee wellness programs and flexible working conditions, we ensure that our team is well taken care of, motivated, and healthy.

Join Our Team

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Lockheed Martin by subscribing to our careers blog. Receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly to your inbox, and stay ahead in your career journey.

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.

SEARCH LOCKHEED MARTIN JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Lockheed Martin is not just a company; it’s a community where you can build a career that you can be proud of.
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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Lockheed Martin

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Principal Engineer - Design for Automation jobs: