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Skunkworks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experienced Professionals looking for an opportunity to work at Lockheed Martin Skunkworks on the most advanced aeronautics programs in the world, this is your opportunity to be a part of a dynamic ...

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Skunkworks information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do skunkworks jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for skunkworks in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does it take to work at Skunk Works?

Working at Skunk Works, a division known for advanced aerospace projects, typically requires a strong background in engineering, science, or related technical fields, along with security clearances. Candidates often need relevant experience, specialized skills, and the ability to work in a highly confidential environment with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.

What are the unique challenges and expectations when working on a Skunkworks team?

Working on a Skunkworks team typically involves tackling highly confidential, high-impact projects with tight deadlines and shifting priorities, often requiring flexibility and resilience. You will be expected to work in a small, cross-functional group of experts who collaborate intensively to rapidly design, prototype, and iterate solutions. The work environment is usually dynamic and somewhat unconventional, with a strong emphasis on creativity, speed, and results over rigid process. This setting provides unique opportunities to shape industry-leading innovations, but also demands comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to challenge existing norms.

What is a Skunkworks job?

A Skunkworks job typically refers to working on a highly secretive or innovative project within a company, often with a small, autonomous team. These projects aim to develop breakthrough technologies or products outside the constraints of standard corporate processes. Skunkworks teams prioritize speed, agility, and creative problem-solving to push the boundaries of what is possible. The term originates from Lockheed Martin’s advanced development programs and has since been adopted across various industries.

Is Skunk Works still active today?

Skunk Works is a division of Lockheed Martin responsible for advanced aerospace projects. It remains active today, focusing on innovative aircraft development and stealth technology. The division continues to operate with a high level of secrecy and specialized engineering skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Skunkworks position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Skunkworks role, you need advanced technical expertise in engineering or product development, a track record of innovative problem-solving, and experience managing confidential or experimental projects. Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools, CAD software, project management systems, and sometimes specialized security clearances is common. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and creative thinking are crucial soft skills for navigating ambiguity and complex challenges. These capabilities enable effective progress on breakthrough projects in high-stakes, fast-paced environments where pioneering solutions are developed under tight deadlines.

How much does Skunk Works pay?

Skunk Works, the advanced research and development division of Lockheed Martin, typically offers salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually for engineering and technical roles, depending on experience and education. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for security clearances and specialized skills development.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-level consulting, specialized medical procedures, and certain executive roles can earn $3,000 or more per day. Professions such as surgeons, corporate lawyers, and top-tier management consultants often command these rates, especially when billing hourly or project-based fees. Skills, experience, and industry demand significantly influence earning potential at this level.
More about Skunkworks jobs
What cities are hiring for Skunkworks jobs? Cities with the most Skunkworks job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Skunkworks jobs? The most popular types of Skunkworks jobs are:
What states have the most Skunkworks jobs? States with the most job openings for Skunkworks jobs include:
Infographic showing various Skunkworks job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Skunk Works Project Engineer (Level 3)

Skunk Works Project Engineer (Level 3)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Palmdale, CA

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The Skunk Works (Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Program) is looking for world class talent in Project Engineering to be a part of a team that will carry on our 80 year tradition making history in advanced aircraft development. The ADP Skunkworks Vehicle Management team writes software for a wide range of aircraft subsystems that make the airplane fly. We are a highly imaginative and productive team working on a new development project to create modular and reusable software to create not only our current project but an entire future portfolio.

We operate out of the Skunkworks headquarters in Palmdale, CA in a fully onsite and hands on team.


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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