Lockheed Martin Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to Lockheed Martin careers for veterans. Learn about engineering, technical, and program management positions, veteran hiring programs, clearance requirements, and how to land a job at the world's largest defense contractor.
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, and they need you. With over $67 billion in annual revenue and 116,000+ employees, Lockheed builds the F-35, missile defense systems, space vehicles, and countless other systems critical to national security.
For veterans—especially those with aviation, weapons systems, or technical backgrounds—Lockheed Martin represents one of the premier career destinations in the defense industry.
Why Lockheed Martin for Veterans?
Industry Leader
Lockheed Martin's position:
- #1 defense contractor globally
- $67+ billion annual revenue
- 116,000+ employees
- Stable government contracts
- Cutting-edge technology
Veteran-Friendly Culture
LM values military service:
- Active veteran hiring programs
- Military skills translator tool
- SkillBridge partnerships
- Military spouse support
- Reserve/Guard support
Mission Connection
Veterans understand the customer:
- You've used LM products
- You know warfighter needs
- Mission focus resonates
- Quality standards familiar
What Lockheed Martin Does
Aeronautics
Aircraft and related systems:
- F-35 Lightning II: Fifth-generation fighter
- F-22 Raptor: Air superiority fighter
- C-130 Hercules: Tactical airlift
- F-16 Fighting Falcon: Multirole fighter
- Skunk Works: Advanced development
Missiles and Fire Control
Precision weapons:
- THAAD: Theater missile defense
- PAC-3: Patriot missile
- JASSM: Joint air-to-surface missile
- Hellfire: Precision strike
- HIMARS: Rocket artillery
Rotary and Mission Systems
Helicopters and mission systems:
- Sikorsky helicopters (Black Hawk, CH-53K)
- Aegis Combat System
- Littoral Combat Ship modules
- Training and simulation
Space
Space systems:
- GPS satellites
- National security space
- Human spaceflight (Orion)
- Space exploration
Career Opportunities at Lockheed Martin
Engineering Positions
The core workforce:
Aerospace Engineer:
- Aircraft design
- Aerodynamics
- Propulsion integration
- Flight sciences
Requirements:
- Engineering degree (BS minimum, MS preferred for some)
- Relevant experience
- Clearance eligibility
Salary: $75,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: Aviation officers, flight test, aerospace backgrounds
Systems Engineer:
- Requirements development
- System integration
- Technical management
- Solution architecture
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Systems thinking
- Technical breadth
- Project experience
Salary: $80,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: Systems maintainers, acquisition, technical managers
Software Engineer:
- Flight software
- Mission systems
- Simulation
- Embedded systems
Requirements:
- Computer science/engineering degree
- Programming proficiency
- Security awareness
- Domain knowledge helpful
Salary: $80,000 - $155,000+
Military fit: Signal, 25 series, software backgrounds
Mechanical Engineer:
- Structural design
- Thermal systems
- Mechanisms
- Hardware development
Requirements:
- Mechanical engineering degree
- Design experience
- CAD proficiency
- Analysis capability
Salary: $75,000 - $145,000+
Military fit: Aviation maintenance, engineering officers
Electrical Engineer:
- Avionics systems
- Power systems
- Control systems
- Electronic warfare
Requirements:
- Electrical engineering degree
- Circuit/system design
- Analysis tools
- Relevant experience
Salary: $75,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: Avionics, electronics technicians, EW backgrounds
Technical Positions
Hands-on technical work:
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician:
- Assembly operations
- Modification work
- Test support
- Maintenance
Requirements:
- A&P license or military equivalent
- Aircraft experience
- Technical aptitude
- Clearance eligibility
Salary: $55,000 - $90,000+
Military fit: Crew chiefs, aviation maintainers, 15 series
Electronics Technician:
- Assembly and test
- Troubleshooting
- Quality inspection
- Integration support
Requirements:
- Technical training or experience
- Electronics knowledge
- Detail orientation
- Clearance eligibility
Salary: $50,000 - $85,000+
Military fit: 25 series, avionics, electronics MOS
Quality Inspector:
- Product inspection
- Process verification
- Documentation
- Standards compliance
Requirements:
- Quality experience
- Attention to detail
- Technical knowledge
- Certifications helpful
Salary: $50,000 - $80,000+
Military fit: Quality assurance backgrounds, inspection experience
Program Management
Managing complex programs:
Program Manager:
- Program execution
- Budget and schedule
- Customer interface
- Team leadership
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Management experience
- Communication skills
- PMP certification helpful
Salary: $100,000 - $180,000+
Military fit: Program managers, field grade officers, senior leaders
Project Engineer:
- Technical project leadership
- Engineering coordination
- Risk management
- Schedule management
Requirements:
- Engineering background
- Project experience
- Leadership skills
- Technical depth
Salary: $85,000 - $140,000+
Military fit: Technical officers, maintenance officers
Business Operations
Support functions:
Contracts Administrator:
- Contract management
- Proposal support
- Compliance
- Negotiation support
Requirements:
- Business/contracts background
- Federal contracting knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
Salary: $65,000 - $110,000+
Military fit: Contracting officers, business backgrounds
Supply Chain Specialist:
- Procurement
- Supplier management
- Logistics coordination
- Material management
Requirements:
- Supply chain experience
- Logistics knowledge
- Systems proficiency
- Analytical ability
Salary: $60,000 - $100,000+
Military fit: 92 series, logistics officers, supply backgrounds
Lockheed Martin Veteran Programs
Military Skills Translator
Online tool to match military experience:
- Input MOS/AFSC/Rating
- See matching positions
- Understand skill translation
- Apply directly
SkillBridge
DoD transition program:
- Work at LM while on active duty
- 10-12 week internships
- Real project assignments
- Often leads to job offers
- Continue military pay during program
Military Hiring Events
Regular recruiting events:
- Base career fairs
- Virtual hiring events
- Transition assistance programs
- Direct engagement with recruiters
Veteran Employee Resource Group
Internal community support:
- Networking opportunities
- Mentorship programs
- Professional development
- Community involvement
Military Spouse Program
Support for families:
- Employment opportunities
- Relocation assistance
- Career development
- Flexible work options
Lockheed Martin Hiring Process
Step 1: Find Positions
Where to search:
- lockheedmartinjobs.com
- Military Skills Translator
- ClearanceJobs
- Indeed
Step 2: Apply
Application elements:
- Resume upload
- Job-specific questions
- Clearance information
- Veteran status
Step 3: Screening
HR review for:
- Basic qualifications
- Clearance eligibility
- Experience match
- Education requirements
Step 4: Interviews
Interview format varies:
Phone Screen:
- Initial discussion
- Background review
- Interest confirmation
Technical Interview:
- Role-specific questions
- Skills assessment
- Problem-solving
- Technical depth
Panel Interview:
- Multiple interviewers
- Behavioral questions
- Team fit assessment
Step 5: Assessment
Some positions require:
- Technical assessment
- Skills testing
- Background verification
- Reference checks
Step 6: Offer
If selected:
- Compensation package
- Benefits overview
- Start date
- Clearance processing
Timeline
Typical timeline:
- Application to response: 2-4 weeks
- Interview process: 2-6 weeks
- Offer to start: 2-4 weeks
- Total: 6-14 weeks
Clearance can extend timeline significantly.
Lockheed Martin Salary
Compensation Ranges
| Role Category | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $70K-$90K | $90K-$130K | $130K-$175K+ |
| Technical | $45K-$65K | $65K-$85K | $85K-$110K |
| Program Mgmt | $85K-$110K | $110K-$150K | $150K-$200K+ |
| Business Ops | $55K-$75K | $75K-$100K | $100K-$140K |
Location Adjustments
Salary varies by location:
- Fort Worth, TX: Base reference
- DC Area: +10-15%
- California: +15-25%
- Lower cost areas: -5-10%
Clearance Premium
Security clearance impacts pay:
- Secret: Base rates
- Top Secret: +5-10%
- TS/SCI: +10-15%
- Special programs: Additional premium
Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits:
- Health insurance: Multiple plan options
- 401(k): Company match up to 10%
- Pension: Defined benefit plan (increasingly rare)
- Stock purchase: Employee stock purchase plan
- PTO: Competitive vacation and sick leave
- Tuition assistance: Degree and certification support
- Life insurance: Company provided plus options
Lockheed Martin Locations
Major Facilities
Fort Worth, TX:
- F-35 and F-16 production
- Largest facility
- Thousands of positions
Marietta, GA:
- C-130 and F-35 wings
- Large manufacturing
- Engineering center
Bethesda, MD (Corporate HQ):
- Corporate functions
- Business operations
- DC area proximity
Palmdale, CA:
- Skunk Works
- Advanced development
- Flight test
Denver/Littleton, CO:
- Space systems
- Satellites
- National security space
Sunnyvale, CA:
- Space systems
- Advanced technology
Orlando, FL:
- Training and simulation
- Missiles and Fire Control
Huntsville, AL:
- Missiles
- Space propulsion
Other Locations
Presence across country:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Mississippi
- And many more
Military Experience Advantages at Lockheed
Aviation Backgrounds
Direct application:
- Crew chiefs → Aircraft technicians
- Flight engineers → Systems engineers
- Pilots → Program management, test
- Maintainers → Manufacturing, quality
Weapons Systems
Understanding the product:
- Fire controlmen → Fire control systems
- Weapons loaders → Ordnance integration
- Missile techs → Missile programs
Technical Training
Military technical experience:
- Avionics → Avionics engineering/tech
- Electronics → Electronics technician
- Communications → Systems engineering
- Nuclear → Quality, safety
Leadership
Military leadership translates:
- Company commander → Program manager
- Platoon leader → Project engineer
- NCOs → Team leads, supervisors
Application Tips for Lockheed
Resume Optimization
Effective approach:
- Use Military Skills Translator
- Translate military terms
- Quantify accomplishments
- Highlight technical skills
- Include certifications
- Note clearance status
Keywords to Include
Match job posting language:
- Systems engineering
- Program management
- Technical leadership
- Quality assurance
- Risk management
- Requirements development
Interview Preparation
Research:
- Know LM programs
- Understand business areas
- Research specific position
- Know recent news
Prepare:
- STAR method stories
- Technical examples
- Leadership demonstrations
- Questions for interviewers
Career Growth at Lockheed
Engineering Career Ladder
Technical progression:
- Engineer: Entry level
- Senior Engineer: Experienced individual contributor
- Staff Engineer: Technical expert
- Senior Staff Engineer: Advanced expert
- Principal Engineer: Technical leadership
- Fellow: Highest technical honor
Management Career Ladder
Leadership progression:
- Supervisor: First-line management
- Manager: Function/team management
- Senior Manager: Department leadership
- Director: Significant organization
- Vice President: Major business responsibility
- Executive: Senior leadership
Development Opportunities
LM invests in growth:
- Leadership development programs
- Technical training
- Advanced degree support
- Rotation programs
- Mentorship
The Bottom Line
Lockheed Martin offers veterans:
- World's largest defense contractor with stable employment
- Direct application of military technical experience
- Strong veteran culture and hiring programs
- Competitive compensation and exceptional benefits (including pension)
- Career growth opportunities in engineering and management
If you've worked on LM products in uniform, you can help build them as a civilian. Your experience is exactly what they need.
Apply at lockheedmartinjobs.com
Explore other defense contractors: Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton.