Software Engineer (Navigation Systems) - Level 5
Lockheed Martin· Defense· Aug 31, 2026 · 2mo ago
Palmdale, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
Standard Job Description
The Skunk Works (Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Program (ADP)) is looking for talented and energetic individuals to become a part of a dynamic high energy team carrying on the 70+ year tradition of developing and producing advanced aircraft and battlespace solutions. This Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Software Engineer position is with the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Mission Systems and Software Comms team supporting an ADP program that includes staff distributed between Fort Worth, Texas and Palmdale, California.
The selected candidate for this experienced professional position will be a technical leader and subject matter expert within our GNC team, with focus on Navigation and Timing. The role will be required to independently drive development of complex navigation algorithms and the integration of COTS and custom hardware LRUs through design, surrogate testing, on-system deployment, and V&V. The role will involve independent, self-direct work, long-term planning, as well as technical direction of more junior team members. Experience with medium and long-term schedule planning and tracking, task prioritization, and team leadership is desired.
Roles within Skunk Works, particularly at this level, require proactive and team-oriented experts who take initiative, build relationships, and take ownership of complex integration problems with substantial latitude. Frequent interactions across internal boundaries, with customers, and with sub-tier suppliers are expected. Adept communication skills are required, and previous leadership experience is recommended. Experience with supplier management, requirements, and technical interchange is desired. Availability for moderate travel (up to ~25% time) for team interaction and integration & test activities is required.
The job will involve the use of a wide range of Aeronautical Engineering and Electrical Engineering principles, including aerospace system design, stability/control, guidance, multi-sensor navigation, estimation, system identification, optimal filtering using EKF/UKFs, etc. Extensive experience with hardware and software integration is required; safety critical software development experience is strongly desired. Ability to understand impacts of design choices on airworthiness, and mission/platform performance is essential.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
Subject matter expertise and minimum of 10 years of experience with development of complex aerospace navigation systems, navigation hardware integration, and/or algorithm design
Demonstrated previous technical or personnel leadership experience
Proficiency with Matlab and Simulink software
Working knowledge of common programming (C, C++) and/or scripting (lua, python) languages
Extensive experience with navigation hardware/software integration and test to ensure functional and performance capabilities
Experience with deployment of navigation algorithms in aerospace embedded software
Successful maturation of navigation hardware/software systems through development, V&V, lab testing, and flight/operational testing
Desired Skills
Master’s degree in electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field
Experience with DO-178 Design Assurance Levels and safety critical software design practices
Code generation from Simulink, aerospace embedded software design
Schedule planning, tracking, CAM, or EVMS experience
Knowledge and experience with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom aerospace navigation system hardware
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $166900.00 - $309900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
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.
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Keywords to mirror
python
- Platform
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave