Job ID: 709529BR Date posted: Nov. 06, 2025
Description:The Skunk Works® program is the premier advanced systems development organization within Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. From the U 2 and SR 71 to the F 22, F 117, and F 35, our teams deliver cutting edge concepts, rapid prototypes, and high performance derivatives for the nation’s most demanding customers. The Low Observable (LO) Materials team in Palmdale provides the specialty plastic, ceramic, and composite fabrication capability that underpins these iconic platforms.

The Engineering Aide will work hands on with engineers and technicians to build, fabricate, cure, and assemble a broad range of low observable plastic, ceramic, and composite components. The role requires a solid grasp of material properties, process specifications, and precision assembly techniques.

Key Responsibilities
• Fabrication & Assembly
• Build laminated, bonded, and mechanically fastened assemblies.
• Lay up composite, plastic, and metal parts on molds, tools, or fixtures.
• Prepare parts for bagging, install bleeders/thermocouples, and verify seal integrity.
• Process Operation
• Set up and run autoclaves, ovens, and platen presses.
• Monitor temperature, pressure, and cycle time per engineering specifications.
• Identify and correct defects during processing.
• Rework & Repair
• Perform trimming, realignment, removal, replacement, and reforming of composite/plastic parts.
• Ensure all work meets exacting tolerances.
• Tool & Aid Development
• Improvise shop aids and fabricate custom fixtures when standard tooling is inadequate.
• Operate cutting and trimming machines as required.
• Quality & Documentation
• Record lay up, cure, and other manufacturing data for future reference.
• Inspect parts for defects; recommend adjustments to time cycles, pressures, or processes.
• Perform final grinding, polishing, and finishing.
• Materials Handling
• Prepare resin/catalyst mixes.
• Cut, impregnate, and lay out materials.
• Drill, ream, countersink, and install fasteners.
• Collaboration
• Work with liaison engineers, program engineering, and external vendors to define optimal fabrication sequences
• Flag tooling or process gaps and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support R&D
• Assist in development, testing, and scale up of new LO parts, materials, and procedures.
Basic Qualifications:
• A minimum 5 years of combined experience in composite, metallic, or LO materials manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical data, perform shop math calculations, and apply process specifications.
• Familiarity with thermosets, thermoplastics, ceramics, pre preg epoxy, BMI systems, and bonding adhesives.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a DoD Secret clearance (including any required special program access).
• Able to lift ≥ 20 lb.
• Certified respirator use (training provided).
Desired Skills:
• Advanced knowledge of LO material systems (BMI, epoxy pre preg, advanced ceramics).
• Experience with enterprise resource planning tools such as SAP, SFM, or other ERP systems.
• Proficiency in 3 D modeling and drafting tools (e.g., CATIA V5, AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for tooling and fixture design.
• Familiarity with thin film material installation.
• Ability to lead “stand up” of new composite processes from concept through full rate production, including scale up and transition to manufacturing.
• Expertise in writing, editing, and maintaining clear work instructions; comfortable delivering customer facing briefings and conducting plant tours.
• Advanced knowledge of layup, bonding, mechanical fastening, and final assembly of composites, laminates, foams, and metal parts; capable of managing “one off” article development, depot repairs, and Low Observable (LO) procedures.
• Skill in designing and fabricating custom fixtures, cutting/trimming aids, and improvised tooling when standard equipment is insufficient.
• Ability to record detailed manufacturing data (layup, cure cycles, inspections), perform root cause analyses, implement corrective actions, and drive cost reductions using Earned Value Management (EVMS) metrics.
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Top Secret
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: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $70,000 - $123,395. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information 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 and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(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.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $80,500 - $134,205. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information 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 and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
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: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: No
Career Area: Technicians
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First