Job Description
Job Title:  Advanced Systems Controls Research Manager
Posting Start Date:  9/18/26

Standard Job Description

We are searching for an Advanced Systems Controls Research Manager to join our outstanding team. In this role you will support multiple directorates in the Ignite group by leading a controls focused group to deliver generation after next technology in the areas of precision mechanisms, pointing, guidance, navigation and control, and wavefront/beam control. Ignite is the research lab for Lockheed Martin Space. Through our own skills and those of our partners—including universities and research labs around the world—we’re able to put vision in motion. While we are a part of LM's Space division, our technologies are far-reaching across domains. Our innovation extends beyond incremental change. We strive for first-of-a-kind capability with enduring impact. Whatever the application, our charter is to build groundbreaking technologies. At Ignite, we’re inspiring change in our endless pursuit of what’s next.

Some of your day to day responsibilities will include:

• Leading your team of research scientists and controls engineers to deliver gen-a􀁸er-next technologies to Lockheed Martin Space programs

• First-line management of personnel including hiring, personnel assignments, evaluations, promotions, training, conference attendance

• Monitoring execution of advanced system controls related contract R&D programs and Internal R&D projects

• Understanding and supporting Line of Business (LOB) precision control needs including: precision line of sight pointing, line of sight knowledge and accuracy, vibration isolation, beam and wavefront control, target tracking, advanced guidance and navigation, and robotics and automation

• Identifying and shaping emerging controls related technologies into new business opportunities

• Supporting new business capture

• Handling budgets, laboratories, and capital equipment

We are looking for a motivated research science manager with demonstrated leadership experience in resolving technical challenges and leading teams of scientists and engineers in the development of first-of-a-kind instruments, components, mechanisms, or products. You should have strong interpersonal and written communication skills, as well as the capability to communicate sophisticated ideas, explaining technology and concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Basic Qualifications

  1. Strong understanding/expertise in technical fields of controls, estimation, dynamics, vibrations, signal processing, automation, and/or robotics
  2. Experience with laboratory environment and test bed development
  3. Strong system architecture skills as it pertains to linking mission requirements to technology and hardware needs
  4. Demonstrated leadership experience, either in a formal management role or as a technical lead
  5. US Citizenship with the ability to acquire and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Desired Skills

      1. Advanced degree in physics or related engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
      2. Demonstrated experience leading development of applied R&D proposals include authoring technical and management/cost volumes
      3. Strong eye for business and proven successful leadership and management of research and development programs
      4. Demonstrated ability to transition technology into systems and products
      5. Experience with earned value management systems, development of cost estimates, subcontract management and risk management
      6. Strong customer empathy with ability and willingness to lead new business development
      7. Active TS/SCI clearance

Pay Information

GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role. 

  • Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $185400.00 - $344400.00 
    • Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
  • Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): $166900.00 - $309900.00 
    • Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
  • Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): $148300.00 - $275500.00
    • Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas–Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
  • Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): $133500.00 - $247900.00
    • Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Lufkin, TX; etc. 

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.