Systems Engineer Sr - E3

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

What does this role look like?

Join the NextGen GEO (NGG) Mission Operations Support (NMOS) team in Longmont, CO, where you’ll play a critical role in technical planning, ground system procedure development, and mission readiness execution for NGG SV-1 and SV-2 satellites. This unique opportunity blends systems engineering with hands-on 24/7 satellite operations, giving you direct involvement in simulated and real-time mission support across development, rehearsals, launch, Launch and Early On-Orbit Test (LEOT), and interim operations.

You’ll begin with immersive training through the Training Branch, working toward qualification as a Systems Crew Chief (SCCH). Along the way, you’ll gain experience across multiple operational roles, including Satellite Systems Operator (SSO), Ground Control Operator (GCO), Satellite Systems Engineer (SSE), and LEOT Crew Lead (LCL), building deep operational expertise and a broad systems-level understanding.

After SCCH qualification, you will transition into a full-time engineering day staff role, applying your operational experience to improve processes, develop new operational concepts, and support mission execution. In this role, you will:

• Support rehearsals, system testing, LEOT, anomaly resolution, and on-orbit operations
• Develop and refine operational products, procedures, and system architectures
• Conduct systems engineering assessments to balance technical requirements with mission schedules
• Collaborate across engineering and operations teams to drive mission success
• Provide direct command and control support as part of the operational crew rotation post-launch

This role offers an accelerated path to mastering satellite engineering and mission operations by combining technical depth with real-world operational execution. Our philosophy is simple: to build and improve complex systems, you must first operate them firsthand.

Work schedules are typically daytime 9x80 shifts during training and readiness activities, with off-shift and weekend support required during exercises, rehearsals, and launch/orbit operations.

The information below reflects the standard job description for this position:

Performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems. Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be willing and able to work rotational shift work as required.
• 3+ of related experience in the systems engineering lifecycle, specifically in the areas of satellite systems or related operational environments.
• Prior experience supporting technical or project teams across multiple disciplines.
• Active or Current Final Top-Secret security clearance, with ability to achieve and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. Thus US Citizenship is required.

Desired Skills

• Ability to work with limited supervision while leading teams to include collaborating across the NGG environment
• Previous SBIRS/NGG experience with Satellite Ground System and TT&C
• Previous satellite on-console support experience
• Previous experience with Launch and Early Orbit Testing
• Well-organized, self-starter able to take direction and works well both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to navigate multiple competing priorities
• Ability to make recommendations on operational and engineering improvements
• Willingness to take on any task regardless of complexity
• Previous operational certification is considered a plus
• Demonstrated behaviors of a systems thinker; selects and applies appropriate systems thinking skills
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• B.S. in Systems Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $95900.00 - $178100.00

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.