Software Engineering Manager - Space Protection Programs

Software Engineering Manager - Space Protection Programs

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.
• A Top Secret clearance is required to be considered.

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
• TS/SCI with CI Poly