Software Engineering Manager - Space Protection Programs

Company: Lockheed Martin
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job 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. 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 Engineering Manager to help lead the future of Spacecraft Flight Software (FSW) development. This role is ideal for an established leader who thrives in complex, mission-critical environments and is passionate about developing high-performing teams. The selected candidate will lead teams through the full lifecycle of mission application software development, applying Agile methodologies in a multifaceted execution environment. This position requires ownership of software development activities across multiple programs of varying size and complexity, adapting execution approaches to meet evolving, time-phased program needs. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment with frequent peer engagement and occasional customer interaction. Key Responsibilities - Lead and manage flight software development teams, using performance metrics and data-driven insights to forecast schedules, manage deliveries, and coordinate integration events across cross-functional stakeholders. - Drive technical strategy alignment between the broader Lockheed Martin Space organization and SPP product execution, including integration of enterprise and SPP common products. - Oversee development and test environments, including COTS/FOSS hardware and software, as well as internally developed tools and applications. - Define release trains and lead program scheduling efforts. - Ensure compliance with company command media and champion continuous process improvement initiatives. - Manage peer review processes and leverage associated metrics to provide objective evidence of program health and forecasted progress. - Oversee the software problem reporting system and utilize metrics to drive process improvements and quality enhancements. - Coordinate requirements, data inputs, and test cases with systems and subsystem engineering teams. - Perform Control Account Manager (CAM) responsibilities, including cost and schedule performance management. - Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and cost estimates, including proposal support activities. - Deliver regular program status briefings and proactively identify technical, cost, and schedule risks. - Lead workforce planning efforts, including staffing forecasts, hiring decisions, and performance management. - Support proposal development through architecture definition and cost modeling activities. What We’re Looking For: - Demonstrated leadership experience in software engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical domains. - Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and Earned Value Management (EVM). - Experience managing complex, multi-program software development efforts. - Proven ability to coach, mentor, and grow technical teams. - Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with technical peers and customers. - Experience in flight software, embedded systems, or safety-critical systems preferred. Basic Qualifications • Minimum BS degree • Experience in software engineering, software leadership, or a related technical discipline in a leadership role. • Proven experience in full life cycle Software Development • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Proven technical leadership skills with ability to lead a multidisciplinary team • Experience developing detailed plans in support of technical assignments • Position requires an active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph to start Desired skills • Prior Spacecraft Flight Software development experience • 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 LMSpaceSoftwareEng 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. Other Important Information 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 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. Security Clearance Information This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration. 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 $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. Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $154,100 - $267,145. 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.

Keywords: Lockheed Martin, Dublin , Software Engineering Manager - Space Protection Programs, Engineering , Sunnyvale, California