Job Description
Job Title:  THAAD Futures AI Systems Engineering Lead
Posting Start Date:  9/24/26

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.

At the dawn of a new space age, Lockheed Martin is a pioneer, partner, innovator and builder. Our amazing men and women are on a mission to make a difference in the world and every day we use our unique skills and experiences to create, design and build solutions to some of the worlds’ hardest engineering problems. Our culture encourages employees to think big, perform with excellence and create incredible products. We provide the resources, encouragement and focus and if you have the passion and courage to dream big, we want to build a better tomorrow with you!

As the THAAD Futures AI Systems Engineering lead, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the AI strategy for the THAAD program and future derivative Upper Tier IAMD systems. In this role you will
• Lead development and demonstration of prototype AI-based solutions for THAAD system fire control and missile guidance algorithms that improve performance against current and emerging threats
• Work with program and E&T leads to develop and execute an AI roadmap for Integrated systems architectures that use THAAD components
• Through IRAD projects, pilot the use of AI tools and techniques to accelerate the velocity of software development for the THAAD system of systems
• Work closely with the customer and program team to successfully transition AI solutions into production environments and fielded equipment

Responsible for autonomy hardware and software system integration and testing including verification and validation.Translates customer requirements into product and systems specifications while addressing technical, schedule, and cost considerations; Establishes functional and technical specifications and standards for autonomous systems; Determines sensing hardware components; Recommends and selects appropriate control systems; Integrates and optimizes the autonomous compute and sensing hardware and software; Solves hardware/software interface problems; Develops plan(s) to integrate autonomous functionality into product(s) and platform(s) and other system(s); Develops test plans for validation and verification and procedures for test and evaluation requirements in collaboration with designers and developers; Performs integration testing and coordinates subsystem and/or system testing activities for autonomous programs; Documents and conducts analysis of test results and recommends fixes to software, hardware components, subsystems and systems; Interfaces with other teams involved the development lifecycle for perception

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education
  • Demonstrated professional background in applied AI, AI research, and data pipelines, with proven experience in machine learning and neural networks
  • Experience with developing weapon system algorithms
  • Proven record of transitioning AI solutions into production environments or fielded systems
  • Proficiency using AI tools to aid software development
  • Primary authorship of publications or open source code repositories related to AI
  • Secret clearance is required prior to start.

Desired Skills

  • Experienced in software architecture
  • Ability to communicate and work with a diverse group of stakeholders to build consensus around a technical vision
  • Technical or program leadership experience
  • Ability to create a compelling technical vision
  • Demonstrated technical presentation skills
  • Working knowledge of DoW systems and networks
  •  Experience with iterative development processes
  • Experience with THAAD weapon system

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00

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.