Research Scientist Sr Stf - E5

Standard Job Description

The Advanced Programs and Exploitation (APEX) team within Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Research Scientist Sr Staff to develop advanced software models, algorithms, and simulation capabilities for space-based payload processing of OPIR data used in missile warning and defense programs.

In this role, you will develop high-performance C++ simulations of payload algorithms and processing pipelines, with a particular focus on translating algorithms implemented on FPGAs into functionally equivalent implementations running on x86 platforms. You will work closely with FPGA, algorithm, flight software, and systems engineers to validate processing, investigate discrepancies, and support mission processing integration and testing.

Beyond software development, the selected candidate will contribute to the research, development, and maturation of mission processing algorithms and modeling techniques. This includes developing digital-twin capabilities and synthetic scene/data generation tools to support program modeling, analysis, algorithm development, and performance assessment.

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing high-performance C++ simulation software for x86/Linux
• Translating FPGA-based algorithms into functionally equivalent C++ implementations
• Modeling payload processing, data flows, sensor behavior, and algorithmic pipelines
• Developing and evaluating algorithms for mission and sensor data processing
• Developing digital-twin and synthetic scene/data generation capabilities to support system modeling, algorithm development, and program analysis
• Comparing and validating CPU-based implementations against FPGA and reference implementations
• Supporting software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Generating, analyzing, and characterizing mission and synthetic sensor data
• Investigating and troubleshooting differences between FPGA, simulated, and CPU implementations
• Optimizing C++ software for large datasets and computationally intensive processing
• Developing analysis tools and techniques to evaluate algorithm and system performance
• Working across software, FPGA, algorithm, and systems engineering teams to resolve complex technical problems
• Providing technical leadership and contributing to the definition of simulation architectures, algorithms, and modeling approaches
• Documenting algorithms, interfaces, assumptions, models, and test results
• Communicating technical findings and recommendations to engineering teams and program leadership

This position is located in our offices in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field
• Strong C++ development experience
• Experience developing software for x86/Linux platforms
• Experience with algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented design
• Experience developing or implementing algorithms for signal, image, sensor, or other scientific/engineering data
• Familiarity with FPGA architecture, pipelining, parallel processing, and data movement
• Ability to obtain a Secret government clearance

Desired Skills

• Experience translating algorithms between FPGA and x86/CPU implementations
• Experience with FPGA-based signal or image processing
• Experience developing digital twins, physics-based models, sensor models, or synthetic data/scene generation tools
• Experience with modeling and simulation for system-level analysis
• Experience developing or evaluating algorithms for sensor or mission processing
• Familiarity with FPGA architecture, pipelining, parallel processing, and data movement
• Experience with Vitis, Vivado, or HLS
• Experience with fixed-point and floating-point processing
• Experience with image, signal, or mission data processing
• Experience with software-in-the-loop or hardware-in-the-loop simulation
• Experience with C++ performance optimization, multithreading, or parallel computing
• Python experience for data analysis, scientific computing, or test automation
• Experience leading technical efforts or providing technical direction to other engineers
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts and analysis to engineering and program leadership
• Active security clearance

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $166900.00 - $309900.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed 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(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (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.