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Skunkworks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin

Software Engineer Stf

Fort Worth, TX

$99K - $134K/yr

Our Software Integration Team drives software integration, troubleshooting, and debugging for the F 35 and ADP Skunkworks Mission Systems. We play a pivotal role in delivering software that's ready ...

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How much do skunkworks jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 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 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 it hard to get a job at Skunk Works?

Getting a job at Skunk Works, the advanced projects division of Lockheed Martin, is highly competitive due to its specialized focus on cutting-edge aerospace technology. Candidates typically need a strong background in engineering, security clearance, and relevant experience in defense or aerospace fields. The hiring process often involves rigorous interviews and assessments of technical skills and security protocols.

What is it like working for Skunk Works?

Working for Skunk Works involves engaging in advanced aerospace projects with a focus on innovation and secrecy. Employees typically work in highly specialized teams, often requiring security clearances and expertise in engineering, avionics, or related fields, with a fast-paced environment emphasizing confidentiality and cutting-edge technology.

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 do you get paid at Skunk Works?

Salaries for Skunk Works engineers and specialists vary based on experience, role, and location, but typically range from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually. Compensation often includes benefits such as security clearance, advanced technical skills, and working on classified or innovative projects.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Skunkworks role typically refers to a highly innovative, secretive project team within a company, often involving advanced technology or engineering. While such positions may offer high salaries, earning $10,000 a month without a degree usually requires specialized skills, experience, or entrepreneurial success in fields like software development, sales, or consulting. These roles often prioritize expertise and results over formal education.
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Skunkworks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Skunkworks job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer Sr - Skunkworks

Mechanical Design Engineer Sr - Skunkworks

Lockheed Martin

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

You will be the Mechanical Design Engineer Sr - Skunkworks for the Skunkworks team which is responsible for ...


What You Will Be Doing


As the Mechanical Design Engineer Sr - Skunkworks you will be responsible for delivering highimpact mechanical designs that enable nextgeneration electromagnetic and RF systems.


Your responsibilities will include:



  • Design electromagnetic/RF components and antennas.

  • Develop radomes and support structures for flightqualified hardware.

  • Engineer composite and metallic components/structures.

  • Create fullscale RCS/RF test fixtures.

  • Provide technical support for classified activities.


What's In It For You


We are committed to supporting your worklife balance and overall wellbeing, offering flexible scheduling options. 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.


Who You Are


You are a seasoned mechanical design professional with deep expertise in RF and electromagnetic hardware. You thrive in fastpaced, highly classified environments and bring a collaborative, solutionfocused mindset. Your experience with composite and metallic structures, as well as test fixture development, positions you to make immediate impact on cuttingedge projects.


Further Information About This Opportunity


MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN -This position is located at a facility that requiresspecial access. The selected candidate must be able to obtain a secretclearance.

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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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