Job ID: 727716BR Date posted: May. 18, 2026
Description:The mission matters. So do the people behind it. With advancing defense technology at our core, what sets us apart is a culture of collaboration, purpose, and impact.

What is the mission?
Ignite matures and transitions capabilities focused on our Space Enterprise internal and external customer needs. This senior manager leads a pipeline of programs under the LM Space Ignite, Advanced Capabilities Electro-optics & Security (ACES) directorate. The ACES team conducts applied research and rapid prototyping of systems & subsystems in relevant or operational environments, develops first-of-kind optical systems, and supports national defense with electro-optics and other technologies. This role will coordinate the creation of discriminating and disruptive technologies, and performance of first-of-kind demonstrations in support of critical national needs in areas including directed energy, power beaming and space domain awareness. The position will support activities with multiple LM and government entities and requires a TS/SCI clearance.

We are seeking a Senior Manager who will have a significant impact on the ACES organization. You will become part of our management team and will lead the successful staffing and execution of a broad subarea of our portfolio including optics, optical beam control, and mechanism control systems. We will look to you to provide leadership in executing activities in support of LM Space, the Corporation, and external stakeholders. In order to accomplish this, you will work closely with Space Lines Of Business (LOBs), Mission Strategy & Advanced Capability (MSAC) organizations, the Engineering & Technology Talent Centers and Chief Engineer’s Office, Mission Success, other Ignite directorates such as the Optical Sensing & Exploitation and Space Sciences & Instrumentation directorates, and the Financial & Business Operations group to execute these activities.

What does this role look like?
Key Responsibilities
• Analyze optics, electro optics, remote sensing, and defense technology requirements for Space LOBs and MSACs.
• Act as the ACES liaison for Lockheed Martin LOBs/MSACs, with a focus on Bay Area groups.
• Create vision statements and strategic plans for core technical domains.
• Lead development of technology roadmaps and transition plans for new systems.
• Ensure programs meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Serve as Program Management Lead on selected projects and as Capture Manager for targeted pursuits.
• Prepare and submit technical proposals.
• Train & mentor junior program managers and principal investigators in capture, pursuit, and program management best practices.
• Lead a California based team of managers, principal scientists, and technical staff; oversee hiring, performance reviews, and career development.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Serve as the primary ACES contact for the Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and Santa Cruz sites.
• Coordinate ACES activities between California and Colorado to ensure seamless collaboration.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in an ACES relevant field (e.g., optics, quantum information science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a research & development (R&D) management role
• At least 10 years managing R&D programs with full responsibility for budget (≥ $1 M / yr), schedule, and technical performance
• Demonstrated record of winning and leading competitive R&D proposals
• Skilled at juggling multiple priorities and making data driven decisions
• Experience working with geographically dispersed, multi disciplinary teams and external business units
• History of effective collaboration with business colleagues to achieve shared goals
• Strong written and verbal skills; adept at presenting to diverse audiences and building relationships with employees, leaders, and stakeholders
• Ability to translate complex technologies and concepts for both expert and non expert audiences
• Thrives in fast paced environments and can adjust to shifting priorities and requirements
• Willing and able to travel as needed
• Active Top Secret clearance
Desired Skills:
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in an ACES relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., physics, optics, aerospace).
• 10+ years of combined technical and leadership experience, with a proven track record in strategy formulation and maturing innovative optical technologies for national security missions.
• 15 years of experience in aerospace and/or defense research & development.
• Demonstrated success leading the development of space qualified hardware and payloads.
• ≥5 years in systems engineering or as an architecture lead.
• Strong background in R&D business development, securing funding for cutting edge optical and defense solutions, and scaling the business.
• Experience overseeing technology portfolios valued at >$5 M per year.
• Proven capability managing teams of 15+ personnel.
• Holds Top Secret, SCI, and Special Access Program clearances.
• Broad customer exposure across relevant government entities (Title 10 and Title 50).
• Well established internal and external professional network within the aerospace, defense, and optics communities.
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: TS/SCI
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
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 $164,300 - $289,800. 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, Massachusetts, and New York is $189,000 - $327,635. 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.
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: Electro-Optical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First