Autonomous Systems Research Eng. Manager (Advanced Technology)
Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto, California
Job Responsibilities
Job ID: 701888BR Date posted: Aug. 27, 2025
Description:At the dawn of a new space age, Lockheed
Martin is a pioneer, partner, innovator and
builder. Our amazing people are on a mission
to make a difference in the world and every
day we use our unique skills and experiences
to create, design and build solutions to some
of the worlds’ hardest engineering problems.
Our culture inspires employees to dream big,
perform with excellence and create incredible
products. We provide the resources, inspiration
and focus and if you have the passion and
courage to dream big, we want to build a
better tomorrow with you.
What is your mission?
As a Autonomy & Robotics Research Manager,
you will support ongoing programs and internal
research and development efforts, enabling
project advancement and emerging
technologies.
What will you be working on?
Managing personnel who are:
• Performing scientific experiments,
investigations, observations and related
research studies
• Developing theories for understanding,
characterizing, and organizing natural
phenomena into a systematic and significant
pattern
• Participating in intellectual property
evaluations and development of patent
applications
• Instructing and teaching junior level
engineers/researchers
We are looking for someone who is excited
about developing new research ideas in
autonomy and robotics. This role will work on
deploying novel autonomy algorithms, robotics development, deep learning, novel control algorithms, reinforcement learning, causality,
and causal inference. Ideally you will have this
experience in a research environment, and
have a history of publications supporting your
expertise.
You are someone with strong technical writing,
presentation and overall communication skills
for reports, proposals, technical presentations,
and interaction with customers, team
members, suppliers, and academic/industry
collaborators.
Come be a thought leader in research and technology
development encompassing multiple engineering
disciplines, such as in Autonomous Systems/Algorithm
/Software development, AI, Robotics, electronics and
mechanical systems in relation to Space applications.
You would lead business development activities including
customer shaping engagements, white paper, RFI and
proposal generation for Autonomous Systems, AI and
Robotics in Space applications for DOD and NASA
customers and drive collaborations with top tier
Universities. We are looking for someone who demonstrates strong technical writing, presentation and overall communication skills for reports, proposals, technical presentations, and interaction with customers, team members, suppliers, and academic/industry collaborators.
To promote the sharing of ideas, Lockheed Martin fosters an inclusive work environment that encourages differences and big-picture thinking.
Our employees play an active role in strengthening the quality of life where we live and work by volunteering more than 850,000 hours annually. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
• Medical
• Dental
• 401k
• Paid time off
• Work/life balance
• Career development
• Mentorship opportunities
• Rewards & recognition
Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Basic Qualifications:
• Experience in the applications of Artificial Intelligence or Autonomous Systems technologies (e.g., Deep Learning, Machine Learning) to sensing, perception, multiunit/
agent planning or command and control of
autonomous systems.
• Exposure to common spacecraft platforms
and associated technologies.
• Proficiency in either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar engineering field.
• Experience managing cross functional personnel and teams to meet program milestones.
Desired Skills:
• PhD or Masters Degree in Computer Science,
Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering or closely related field
with 8+/12+ years of experience in the
aerospace/automation industry.
• Strong experience evaluating novel
technologies, fast prototyping, feasibility
studies, specification and/or implementation of
product components
• Strong experience leading and writing
funding proposals for research
grants/programs.
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain
security clearance
• Exposure with, or experience in, tools
methods for Verification and Validation of
complex or autonomous systems, such as
Formal Methods, Assume/Guarantee reasoning,
edge case scenario design, sensitivity analysis,
etc.
• Experience with training and training set generation for Neural Networks (Python and
Tensorflow)
3) Experience with analysis, modeling and
simulation of complex systems with black-box
software components
• Complex control of manipulators, high-degree
of freedom coordination and advanced mobility
technologies experience.
• Knowledge of sensing, planning and
algorithms related to Autonomous Rendezvous,
Proximity Operations and Docking.
• RTOS experience.
• Implementing augmented and virtual reality
technologies for robotic applications
experience.
• Understanding of Counter Autonomy and AI.
• Established relationships with customers from
DOD Research Labs, AFRL, DARPA, or NASA
Research Centers
• Knowledge of Resiliency for space
architectures, sensors, system timing, and
actuators in terms of autonomous response to
threats.
• Strong experience utilizing ROS with robotic
systems
• Experience with Robot Simulation tools like
Gazebo, RVIZ or similar
• Proven mechatronic experience as
demonstrated by a strong publication record
and development of working system
prototypes
• Experience using industrial manipulators like
UR, ABB, Kuka or similar
• Experience using Clearpath Robotics or
similar
• Experience using DJI Drones or similar
• Experience implementing software for
scientific and/or real time image or signal
processing applications, computer vision, 3D
data processing
• Experience with COTS sensing modalities, RF,
SAR, LIDAR/LADAR, Radar, Computer Vision,
Vibration and fusing modalities for perception
and inferencing.
• Experience establishing CONOPS, defining
requirements, and evaluating perception
sensors for autonomous systems against the requirements.
• Experience in defining, implementing,
integration and test of an autonomous ground
vehicle.
• Experience with Real-time processing
systems, FPGAs, microcontrollers,
measurement and acquisition hardware
• Experience with, and knowledge of Systems
Engineering aspects of requirements
decomposition, testing and Verification and
Validation, at the systems level.
Clearance Level: None
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 and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $150,800 - $265,880. 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. This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California and New York is $173,400 - $300,495. 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. This position is incentive plan eligible.
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.
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They’re dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin’s vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers’ toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: SPACE
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Artificial Intelligence
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First
Apply Now
Description:At the dawn of a new space age, Lockheed
Martin is a pioneer, partner, innovator and
builder. Our amazing people are on a mission
to make a difference in the world and every
day we use our unique skills and experiences
to create, design and build solutions to some
of the worlds’ hardest engineering problems.
Our culture inspires employees to dream big,
perform with excellence and create incredible
products. We provide the resources, inspiration
and focus and if you have the passion and
courage to dream big, we want to build a
better tomorrow with you.
What is your mission?
As a Autonomy & Robotics Research Manager,
you will support ongoing programs and internal
research and development efforts, enabling
project advancement and emerging
technologies.
What will you be working on?
Managing personnel who are:
• Performing scientific experiments,
investigations, observations and related
research studies
• Developing theories for understanding,
characterizing, and organizing natural
phenomena into a systematic and significant
pattern
• Participating in intellectual property
evaluations and development of patent
applications
• Instructing and teaching junior level
engineers/researchers
We are looking for someone who is excited
about developing new research ideas in
autonomy and robotics. This role will work on
deploying novel autonomy algorithms, robotics development, deep learning, novel control algorithms, reinforcement learning, causality,
and causal inference. Ideally you will have this
experience in a research environment, and
have a history of publications supporting your
expertise.
You are someone with strong technical writing,
presentation and overall communication skills
for reports, proposals, technical presentations,
and interaction with customers, team
members, suppliers, and academic/industry
collaborators.
Come be a thought leader in research and technology
development encompassing multiple engineering
disciplines, such as in Autonomous Systems/Algorithm
/Software development, AI, Robotics, electronics and
mechanical systems in relation to Space applications.
You would lead business development activities including
customer shaping engagements, white paper, RFI and
proposal generation for Autonomous Systems, AI and
Robotics in Space applications for DOD and NASA
customers and drive collaborations with top tier
Universities. We are looking for someone who demonstrates strong technical writing, presentation and overall communication skills for reports, proposals, technical presentations, and interaction with customers, team members, suppliers, and academic/industry collaborators.
To promote the sharing of ideas, Lockheed Martin fosters an inclusive work environment that encourages differences and big-picture thinking.
Our employees play an active role in strengthening the quality of life where we live and work by volunteering more than 850,000 hours annually. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
• Medical
• Dental
• 401k
• Paid time off
• Work/life balance
• Career development
• Mentorship opportunities
• Rewards & recognition
Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Basic Qualifications:
• Experience in the applications of Artificial Intelligence or Autonomous Systems technologies (e.g., Deep Learning, Machine Learning) to sensing, perception, multiunit/
agent planning or command and control of
autonomous systems.
• Exposure to common spacecraft platforms
and associated technologies.
• Proficiency in either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar engineering field.
• Experience managing cross functional personnel and teams to meet program milestones.
Desired Skills:
• PhD or Masters Degree in Computer Science,
Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering or closely related field
with 8+/12+ years of experience in the
aerospace/automation industry.
• Strong experience evaluating novel
technologies, fast prototyping, feasibility
studies, specification and/or implementation of
product components
• Strong experience leading and writing
funding proposals for research
grants/programs.
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain
security clearance
• Exposure with, or experience in, tools
methods for Verification and Validation of
complex or autonomous systems, such as
Formal Methods, Assume/Guarantee reasoning,
edge case scenario design, sensitivity analysis,
etc.
• Experience with training and training set generation for Neural Networks (Python and
Tensorflow)
3) Experience with analysis, modeling and
simulation of complex systems with black-box
software components
• Complex control of manipulators, high-degree
of freedom coordination and advanced mobility
technologies experience.
• Knowledge of sensing, planning and
algorithms related to Autonomous Rendezvous,
Proximity Operations and Docking.
• RTOS experience.
• Implementing augmented and virtual reality
technologies for robotic applications
experience.
• Understanding of Counter Autonomy and AI.
• Established relationships with customers from
DOD Research Labs, AFRL, DARPA, or NASA
Research Centers
• Knowledge of Resiliency for space
architectures, sensors, system timing, and
actuators in terms of autonomous response to
threats.
• Strong experience utilizing ROS with robotic
systems
• Experience with Robot Simulation tools like
Gazebo, RVIZ or similar
• Proven mechatronic experience as
demonstrated by a strong publication record
and development of working system
prototypes
• Experience using industrial manipulators like
UR, ABB, Kuka or similar
• Experience using Clearpath Robotics or
similar
• Experience using DJI Drones or similar
• Experience implementing software for
scientific and/or real time image or signal
processing applications, computer vision, 3D
data processing
• Experience with COTS sensing modalities, RF,
SAR, LIDAR/LADAR, Radar, Computer Vision,
Vibration and fusing modalities for perception
and inferencing.
• Experience establishing CONOPS, defining
requirements, and evaluating perception
sensors for autonomous systems against the requirements.
• Experience in defining, implementing,
integration and test of an autonomous ground
vehicle.
• Experience with Real-time processing
systems, FPGAs, microcontrollers,
measurement and acquisition hardware
• Experience with, and knowledge of Systems
Engineering aspects of requirements
decomposition, testing and Verification and
Validation, at the systems level.
Clearance Level: None
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 and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $150,800 - $265,880. 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. This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California and New York is $173,400 - $300,495. 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. This position is incentive plan eligible.
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.
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They’re dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin’s vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers’ toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: SPACE
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Artificial Intelligence
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.
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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.
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Professional Development
We support our employees through mentoring, internal & external educational programs, networking, skills enhancement and career-building programs.
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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.
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Paid Time Off
We offer PTO, paid holidays and paid time off for jury duty and military obligations.
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Flex-time
Depending on the position, we offer flexible work schedules.