LockheedMartinAeronautics delivers breakthrough aircraft (F 35, F 22, F 16, AMMM, and SkunkWorks). The Framework Integration Team (FIT) is a software automation team that implements and maintains a ...
LockheedMartinAeronautics delivers breakthrough aircraft (F 35, F 22, F 16, AMMM, and SkunkWorks). The Framework Integration Team (FIT) is a software automation team that implements and maintains a ...
At SkunkWorks, every line of code is a building block of national security and pioneering aerospace technology. Our Software Quality Engineering team is the trusted guardian of that code - ensuring ...
At SkunkWorks, every line of code is a building block of national security and pioneering aerospace technology. Our Software Quality Engineering team is the trusted guardian of that code - ensuring ...
Sr. Staff Hardware Systems Architect - Infotainment/Skunkworks
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$213K - $266K/yr
About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to ...
Sr. Staff Hardware Systems Architect - Infotainment/Skunkworks
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$213K - $266K/yr
About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to ...
LockheedMartinAeronautics delivers breakthrough aircraft (F 35, F 22, F 16, AMMM, and SkunkWorks). The Framework Integration Team (FIT) is a software automation team that implements and maintains a ...
LockheedMartinAeronautics delivers breakthrough aircraft (F 35, F 22, F 16, AMMM, and SkunkWorks). The Framework Integration Team (FIT) is a software automation team that implements and maintains a ...
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Explorations Team
Cary, NC · On-site
$106K - $140K/yr
Previous work in an exploratory/skunkworks/start-up type role * Electronic packaging design experience * Desire to be in a leadership role in the future * Previous work in a fast-paced, innovative ...
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Explorations Team
Cary, NC · On-site
$106K - $140K/yr
Previous work in an exploratory/skunkworks/start-up type role * Electronic packaging design experience * Desire to be in a leadership role in the future * Previous work in a fast-paced, innovative ...
General Application
Paducah, KY · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Paducah, KY · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cutting-edge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cutting-edge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cuttingedge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing As ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cuttingedge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing As ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cuttingedge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing As ...
You will be the Systems Engineering Lead Senior Staff (Level 5) for the Advanced Development Program (ADP) which is responsible for pioneering cuttingedge aircraft concepts. What You Will Be Doing As ...
General Application
Paducah, KY · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
General Application
Paducah, KY · On-site
$70K - $250K/yr
About This Role If you seek high impact and ownership and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to apply to join our team. If you don't see anything posted ...
Manufacturing Planner
Palmdale, CA · On-site
Join us! Lockheed Martin Skunkworks we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the ...
Manufacturing Planner
Palmdale, CA · On-site
Join us! Lockheed Martin Skunkworks we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the ...
Manufacturing Planner
Palmdale, CA · On-site
Join us! Lockheed Martin Skunkworks we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the ...
Manufacturing Planner
Palmdale, CA · On-site
Join us! Lockheed Martin Skunkworks we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the ...
Innovations Engineer
Fort Worth, TX · On-site
The Innovations Engineer will lead "skunkworks" initiatives to identify, prototype, and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance radiology efficiency and workflow. This role is pivotal in ...
Innovations Engineer
Fort Worth, TX · On-site
The Innovations Engineer will lead "skunkworks" initiatives to identify, prototype, and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance radiology efficiency and workflow. This role is pivotal in ...
We are not a skunkworks team just trying outnew technologyand you will make our implementations withdbt, airflow,kafka, and iceberg real for a $30B+ companyimpactingmillions oflives across the ...
We are not a skunkworks team just trying outnew technologyand you will make our implementations withdbt, airflow,kafka, and iceberg real for a $30B+ companyimpactingmillions oflives across the ...
Tooling Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90K - $175K/yr
If you seek high-impact and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to reach out to join our team. Responsibilities: * Design and develop custom tooling, jigs ...
Tooling Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90K - $175K/yr
If you seek high-impact and are excited by fast-paced, intense, Skunkworks-style projects, we encourage you to reach out to join our team. Responsibilities: * Design and develop custom tooling, jigs ...
Project Engineer
San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site
$140K - $180K/yr
Prior experience in a high-growth startup environment or "Skunkworks" style rapid prototyping lab. Comprehensive Benefits & Perks * Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision ...
Project Engineer
San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site
$140K - $180K/yr
Prior experience in a high-growth startup environment or "Skunkworks" style rapid prototyping lab. Comprehensive Benefits & Perks * Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision ...
Chief Technology Officer
Ashburn, VA · On-site
$160 - $180/hr
Startup, skunkworks, or frontier‑technology experience. * Defense, aerospace, or hardened‑systems background. You Will Be Measured By * Speed from concept to functioning hardware. * Quality ...
Chief Technology Officer
Ashburn, VA · On-site
$160 - $180/hr
Startup, skunkworks, or frontier‑technology experience. * Defense, aerospace, or hardened‑systems background. You Will Be Measured By * Speed from concept to functioning hardware. * Quality ...
The Innovations Engineer will lead "skunkworks" initiatives to identify, prototype, and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance radiology efficiency and workflow. This role is pivotal in ...
The Innovations Engineer will lead "skunkworks" initiatives to identify, prototype, and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance radiology efficiency and workflow. This role is pivotal in ...
Skunkworks information
See salary details
$36.5K - $49.7K
1% of jobs
$49.7K - $63K
4% of jobs
$63K - $76.2K
8% of jobs
$85.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$76.2K - $89.4K
17% of jobs
$89.4K - $102.6K
19% of jobs
The median wage is $103K / yr.
$102.6K - $115.9K
18% of jobs
$122.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$115.9K - $129.1K
15% of jobs
$129.1K - $142.3K
7% of jobs
$142.3K - $155.5K
5% of jobs
$155.5K - $168.8K
3% of jobs
$168.8K - $182K
2% of jobs
$36.5K
$109.4K
$182K
How much do skunkworks jobs pay per year?
What are the requirements to work at Skunkworks?
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?
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.
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.

Lockheed Martin rating
8.2
Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
38th of 72 rated aerospace companies
Job description
What You Will Be Doing:
Your responsibilities will support the technology development lifecycle, including:
Design & develop test automation infrastructure (Python driven) that integrates with a C++ codebase and supports simulated, hardware in the loop, and laboratory environments.
Create, maintain, and extend reusable tooling (open source, commercial, and in house) for continuous integration, test execution, and result analysis.
Support virtual development labs and aircraft software build pipelines, ensuring reliable delivery of test artifacts to external software teams.
Lead small software sub teams (2 5 engineers) through sprint planning, daily scrums, sprint reviews, and technical demos.
Collaborate with multi program stakeholders (aircraft, simulation, and systems engineers) to gather requirements, troubleshoot failures, and drive automation improvements.
Document architecture, usage guides, and troubleshooting procedures for internal and external teams.
Participate in inter organizational customer interactions to align automation capabilities with program needs.
Who You Are:
A proactive problem solver who plans, prioritizes, and executes tasks to keep automation projects on schedule.
An effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and thrive in frequent inter organizational interactions.
A collaborative leader comfortable guiding small software teams through agile ceremonies while also delivering high quality work independently.
Passionate about aircraft software and test automation, with a strong interest in advancing cross platform testing capabilities.
Experienced with Python, C/C++, Linux, and Windows environments, and eager to expand expertise in CI/CD pipelines and tooling.
U.S.citizen able to obtain and maintain an interim Secret clearance.
What's In It For You:
3 day weekends every weekend!
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 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.
At Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the cutting edge of technology.
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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