Mission Engineer - Satellite Operations & Ground‑Segment
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Job Responsibilities
Description:Within the Charlie Portfolio of Space Security, we are seeking a highly motivated Mission Engineer with experience in orbital dynamics theory and mission planning satellite applications to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will work across the full mission lifecycle—from early concept development through on-orbit operations—collaborating with development teams, contractors, customers, and subject-matter experts to deliver mission success. The selected candidate will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating mission concepts, supporting the development of ground‑system applications, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful mission execution from concept through operations.
· High-Visibility Impact - Work side-by-side with the Chief Mission Architect, shaping mission architectures and influencing key decisions from design through operations.
· Cutting-Edge Projects - Support diverse satellite programs—including scientific and defense missions—across multiple orbital regimes.
· Career Advancement - Gain exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and strategic decision-making that accelerates professional growth.
· Innovation Hub - Translation of mission vision to software capabilities, UX, and operational support through deep mission understanding
Key Responsibilities
· Design, analyze, and validate mission concepts across multiple spacecraft programs
· Develop and support ground-system tools for orbit determination, maneuver planning, and mission analysis
· Create software applications to compute orbit maneuvers, burn plans, attitude quaternions, and other spacecraft data products to achieve on-orbit objectives
· Apply advanced astrodynamics and orbital mechanics theory to mission planning across varied orbit regimes
· Collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, contractors, and operators in an Agile development environment
· Support the Chief Mission Architect in guiding technical direction and ensuring mission execution success
· Gather and translate strategic objectives and operational concepts from customers and end-users into actionable mission solutions
Basic Qualifications:
· Experience with mission planning and execution domain
· Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems (AOCS, power, thermal, communications) and their interaction with mission-level software
· Strong background in software development and/or software architecture
· Proficiency with orbital mechanics theory, maneuver planning, and astrodynamics tools (e.g. STK, GMAT, Orekit, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python astrodynamics libraries)
· Effective oral and written communication skills and an ability to work effectively in a rapid paced, team environment
· US Citizen with Top Secret clearance
Desired Skills:
· Familiarity with Conductor or MPET applications
· Experience with operator workflow and use cases for mission planning scenarios
· Mission‑engineering experience on spacecraft or satellite programs, including trajectory design and orbit analysis.
· Experience working in an Agile development environment
Experience developing software tools for planning satellite activities across multiple mission types and orbital regimes
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Top Secret with Investigation or CV date within 5 years
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: 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 Schedules: 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.
Schedule for this Position: 9x80 every other Friday off
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.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: SPACE
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Software Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First
About
At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.
Pioneering Defense Technology: From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can innovate mission solutions alongside the best minds in the business.
United By Culture: Excellence, integrity, and collaboration define us. We accelerate change and embrace one another’s perspectives to win for our customers.
Real Impact, Real Growth: Grow your career and skills for life. Our wide array of opportunities and technology-driven learning programs enable your development and agility.
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules designed so you thrive — at work and beyond.
Empowered to Be Your Best: Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities, and our planet.
Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer:
- Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
- Levels: Student, Entry, Mid, Senior, Management
- Locations: Nationwide & OCONUS Positions
Qualifications
See what it takes to be a successful Lockheed Martin employee.
-
Collaborative
There is no innovation without imagination. You bring new, different and exciting ideas to the table every day. You are committed to the success of your team.
-
Curious
The ability to explore and drive new ideas. You think innovatively to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.
-
Goal-oriented
From planning and organizing to decision making, goal orientation produces impactful results. You set goals and strive to make things happen quickly and efficiently.
-
Proactive
The ability to anticipate, plan and prepare for what lies ahead. You act rather than react to potential situations.
-
Problem Solver
You work to tackle tough problems with complex solutions.
-
Strategic
You observe, reflect and analyze processes to make more informed decisions.
Quote
“Before I came to Lockheed Martin, I never thought I’d get these opportunities. The benefits available and the company’s value culture make it an incredibly supportive place to work, and I’m grateful to work somewhere that wants me to succeed. I hope to have a long career here making an impact, and I know I’ll be supported in doing that every step of the way.”
Ryan J., Enterprise Operations
Benefits
-
Healthcare
Medical, Dental and Vision coverage is available for employees who opt-in.
-
401(k)/Retirement Plans
Our 401(k) plan features generous matching and company contributions.
-
Professional Development
We support our employees through mentoring, internal & external educational programs, networking, skills enhancement and career-building programs.
-
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Our generous parental leave policies support your journey into parenthood. When you return to work, our facilities offer mother's rooms to support your transition and work/life balance.
-
Paid Time Off
We offer PTO, paid holidays and paid time off for jury duty and military obligations.
-
Flex-time
Depending on the position, we offer flexible work schedules.
