Lockheed Martin
Summary
Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest defense contractor, specializing in aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, the company employs approximately 122,000 people globally and is the prime contractor for major programs including the F-35 Lightning II, C-130, Aegis Combat System, PAC-3 missiles, and numerous classified space and intelligence systems. The company’s Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space divisions all maintain significant DMV presence.
Locations (DMV)
- Headquarters: Bethesda, MD
- Key Offices: Bethesda (corporate), multiple facilities across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and D.C. area
Industry & Sector
- Primary Sector: Aerospace & Defense
- Sub-Sectors: Military Aircraft, Space Systems, Missiles, C4ISR, Cyber, IT Services
Products & Services
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, C-130 Hercules, F-16, helicopters (Sikorsky), Aegis Combat System, PAC-3 Patriot missiles, THAAD, classified space systems (NRO), missile defense, cybersecurity, IT modernization, training and simulation
Hiring Insights
- Roles: Aerospace Engineers, Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, Cybersecurity Engineers, Program Managers
- Stack: C/C++, Ada, Python, Java, MATLAB, embedded systems, cloud platforms (limited due to classification)
- Clearance: Most roles require Secret minimum; TS/SCI and Poly common for classified programs
Contracting & Government Work
F-35 program (largest defense program globally), space systems for NRO/NGA, missile defense (MDA), Aegis for Navy, C4ISR systems, IT modernization for DoD and IC
Competitors in DMV
- Northrop Grumman, RTX (Raytheon), Boeing Defense, General Dynamics, BAE Systems
Opportunities for Me
Systems engineering opportunities across aerospace and space programs. Data engineering for mission systems and intelligence platforms. Clearance required for most positions (6-18 month processing). Largest defense contractor with stable, long-term programs. Below-market tech compensation but strong benefits and career stability.
Target Roles: Systems Engineer, Software Engineer, Data Engineer (Mission Systems), Principal Engineer
Useful Links
- Careers: https://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/