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Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lockheed Martin Skunk Works information

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How much do lockheed martin skunk works jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lockheed martin skunk works in the United States is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Lockheed Martin Skunk Works?

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is an advanced research and development division of Lockheed Martin, known for designing cutting-edge, highly classified aircraft and aerospace technologies. Established during World War II, Skunk Works has been responsible for iconic projects like the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Nighthawk, and F-22 Raptor. The group is renowned for its innovative engineering, rapid prototyping, and ability to work on secretive 'black projects' for the U.S. government. Skunk Works operates with a high degree of autonomy and uses streamlined processes to bring advanced concepts to reality faster than traditional development cycles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works engineer?

To thrive as a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and advanced problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and security clearance. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with rapid prototyping and classified project management systems is essential. Creativity, strong teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills for succeeding in this innovative, fast-paced environment. These skills are crucial for developing cutting-edge aerospace solutions and maintaining confidentiality on advanced defense projects.

What are some unique challenges faced when working in a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works team environment?

Working within a Skunk Works team at Lockheed Martin means handling highly classified projects with tight security protocols and strict confidentiality requirements. Team members often collaborate in small, cross-disciplinary groups where rapid innovation and agile problem-solving are essential. The secretive nature of the work can create communication hurdles, as information sharing is limited to cleared personnel. However, this environment fosters creativity and allows employees to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace solutions, often leading to significant professional growth.

What is the difference between Lockheed Martin Skunk Works vs Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Engineer?

AspectLockheed Martin Skunk WorksLockheed Martin Aeronautics Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearanceEngineering degree, security clearance
Work EnvironmentAdvanced, secretive R&D projectsAircraft design, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageSpecialized aerospace innovationCommercial and military aircraft development

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works focuses on cutting-edge, classified aerospace projects, often involving stealth and experimental aircraft. In contrast, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Engineers work on designing, developing, and manufacturing a broader range of aircraft, including commercial and military planes. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in project scope and work environment.

How to get hired by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works?

To get hired by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, candidates should have a strong background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical fields, along with security clearances due to the classified nature of projects. Relevant experience, advanced degrees, and proficiency with specialized tools or software are often required. Applying through the official Lockheed Martin careers website and demonstrating a track record of innovation and problem-solving can improve chances of selection.

What does Lockheed Martin Skunk Works do?

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is a division focused on advanced aerospace research and development, creating cutting-edge aircraft, stealth technology, and innovative defense systems. Employees often work on classified projects requiring specialized skills in aeronautics, engineering, and systems integration.
Infographic showing various Lockheed Martin Skunk Works job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,944 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Software Engineer - Skunk Works - Level 4

Palmdale, CA • On-site


Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 393 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description


Become a Skunk and define the future by developing disruptive solutions that combine autonomy, stealth technology, open systems architectures, and manned/unmanned teaming capabilities to solve the most critical national security challenges today. Push the boundaries of what's possible to quickly design, develop and test innovative solutions that provide lifesaving intelligence for the warfighter. At Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, nothing is impossible. Our scientists and engineers tackle some of the world's hardest problems every day to pioneer radical approaches to groundbreaking advanced technology concepts.
As a Senior software engineer, you will contribute to the full development lifecycle, including requirements generation, software design, implementation, integration, and flight test. You'll develop next generation Avionics services, safety critical OFP software and integrate flight critical hardware subsystems. Participate in end-to-end integration activities including a multitude of host systems, such as live assets of varying capability and structure, simulated systems, and laboratory environments with constructive simulations, physical hardware, and system simulations.
This position is located at a facility that requires special access and a Secret clearance to be considered.***
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
EngineeringAeronautics
aerosw
aerocombatsystems
aeroembedded
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or above from an accredited college in a relevant field of study; or equivalent with minimum 5 years experience
Experience with C and/or C++
Experience with Linux or RTOS (real time operating systems) and associated development toolchains
Experience with the software development process in a team environment (peer reviews, unit testing, configuration management, defect tracking)
Experience mentoring and training junior engineers or a lead position/senior engineer
This position is located at a facility that requires special access and a Top Secret clearance to be considered.***
Desired skills
Desired skills :
Experience as technical lead or SME in various subsystems development
Both Windows and Linux development environments
Embedded systems software development
Developing software for air vehicle systems
Worked or developed models and simulations for HW
Familiarity with Git, GitLab, Jira, and other SW collaboration tools
Experience with networking protocols (e.g. IP, UDP, RTP, etc.)
Experience with hardware protocols (e.g. ARINC-429, RS-485, I2C, SPI, etc.)
Experience working with safety/flight critical software development processes (e.g. MIL-STD-516C, MIL-HDBK-1797, AC-17-01, DO-178)
Ability to travel as needed
Experience with the software development process in a team environment (peer reviews, unit testing, configuration management, defect tracking)
EEO
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.
Other Important Information
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.
Work Schedule Information
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.
National Pay Statement
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 $113,900 - $200,905. 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.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $131,000 - $227,125. 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.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912


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