How to Apply to Lockheed Martin

Key Takeaways

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with 116,000 employees, and virtually all positions require U.S. citizenship due to export control regulations governing defense technology
The company uses TalentBrew as its ATS at lockheedmartinjobs.com, so submit clean, keyword-optimized resumes in .docx format and complete every profile field to maximize your visibility to recruiters
Security clearance is central to working at Lockheed Martin: state your clearance status prominently on your resume, and understand that the clearance investigation process can take three months to over a year
Interviews follow a structured behavioral format using the STAR method, so prepare five to seven detailed examples demonstrating leadership, technical problem-solving, teamwork, and ethical decision-making
Quantify your achievements with defense-relevant metrics such as program budgets managed, schedule milestones met, team sizes led, and system performance improvements delivered
Lockheed Martin has robust early-career pipelines including internships, co-ops, and leadership development programs for STEM students, making it one of the largest employers of new engineering graduates in the United States
Veterans receive dedicated hiring support and should translate military experience, especially with Lockheed Martin platforms like F-35 or Aegis, into civilian-equivalent terms on their resumes
The company operates across four business areas (Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, Space), each with distinct technical domains, so target your application to the specific business area that aligns with your expertise

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with approximately 116,000 employees across the United States and internationally. The corporation operates across four business areas: Aeronautics (F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, C-130 Hercules), Missiles and Fire Control (THAAD, Javelin, PAC-3), Rotary and Mission Systems (Sikorsky helicopters, naval combat systems, radar), and Space (Orion spacecraft, GPS satellites, hypersonic systems). With annual revenues exceeding $65 billion, Lockheed Martin is a cornerstone of U.S. national security and a major contributor to NASA's deep space exploration programs. The company maintains a strong commitment to STEM education, veterans hiring, and workforce development, offering career paths that span from entry-level engineering roles to senior program management positions overseeing multi-billion-dollar defense programs.

Application Process

1
Create Your Candidate Profile on lockheedmartinjobs.com
Visit lockheedmartinjobs.com and create a candidate profile. This is Lockheed Martin's official careers portal, powered by the TalentBrew ATS platform. You will need to provide your contact information, upload your resume, and complete initial screening questions. Take time to fill out every section thoroughly, as the system uses your profile data to match you with relevant openings. Setting up job alerts by keyword, location, and business area ensures you are notified when new positions are posted that match your qualifications.
2
Search and Select the Right Position
Use the job search filters to narrow results by business area (Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, Space), location, experience level, and clearance requirements. Pay close attention to the clearance level listed in each posting: some require an active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance, while others will sponsor you through the clearance process after hire. Read the full job description carefully, noting required versus preferred qualifications. Lockheed Martin posts thousands of openings at any given time, so targeted searching is essential. If a role states 'Must be a U.S. Citizen,' this is a firm legal requirement tied to ITAR and export control regulations, not a preference.
3
Submit Your Tailored Application
Apply to specific positions through the portal by submitting your resume and completing the application questionnaire. Each application should be tailored to the specific role: mirror the language and keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter. The TalentBrew system will parse your resume for relevant skills, certifications, and experience. Answer all screening questions honestly and completely, particularly those related to citizenship status, security clearance eligibility, and export control compliance. You can apply to multiple positions simultaneously, and Lockheed Martin encourages candidates to apply to all roles that match their qualifications.
4
Complete Pre-Screening and Assessments
After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete additional assessments depending on the role. Technical positions often include skills assessments or coding challenges. Some roles require completion of a supplemental questionnaire about your experience with specific technologies, platforms, or defense programs. Recruiters review applications and assessments to build a shortlist. Response times vary by program urgency, but most candidates hear back within two to four weeks. If your application moves forward, a recruiter will contact you to discuss the role, your background, and next steps in the process.
5
Participate in Behavioral and Technical Interviews
Lockheed Martin uses a structured interview process that typically includes a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by one or more rounds of panel interviews with hiring managers and team members. Interviews heavily emphasize behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare concrete examples demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Technical roles will include domain-specific questions about systems engineering, software development, aerospace concepts, or program management methodologies. Virtual interviews are common for initial rounds, with on-site interviews for final rounds at the relevant facility.
6
Background Investigation and Security Clearance Processing
Upon receiving a conditional offer, you will undergo a thorough background investigation. For positions requiring security clearance, this process is managed by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and can take anywhere from three months to over a year depending on the clearance level. You will complete the SF-86 questionnaire, which covers your personal history, foreign contacts, financial records, and criminal background. Lockheed Martin will sponsor your clearance application, but you must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. Honesty and completeness on the SF-86 are paramount: omissions or misrepresentations are the primary cause of clearance denials, not the underlying issues themselves.
7
Onboarding and Program Assignment
After clearing background checks and any required security clearance processing, you will complete Lockheed Martin's onboarding program. This includes orientation on company policies, ethics and compliance training, and program-specific briefings. New hires are assigned to a specific program or business unit and paired with mentors. Lockheed Martin invests heavily in employee development through its Leadership Development Program, Engineering Leadership Development Program, and tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees. Early-career employees are encouraged to explore rotational assignments across business areas to build breadth of experience.

Resume Tips for Lockheed Martin

critical

Lead with Security Clearance and Citizenship Status

Place your current security clearance level (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) and U.S. citizenship status prominently at the top of your resume, immediately below your contact information. For Lockheed Martin, clearance status is often the first filter recruiters and the ATS apply. If you hold an active clearance, state it clearly with the granting agency and investigation date. If you are clearance-eligible but do not currently hold one, state 'U.S. Citizen, clearance eligible' to confirm you meet the baseline requirement.

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Mirror Job Description Keywords Exactly

The TalentBrew ATS parses your resume for keyword matches against the job description. Use the exact terminology from the posting: if the listing says 'Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE),' use that exact phrase rather than a synonym. Include relevant technical standards (DO-178C, MIL-STD-882E, CMMI), programming languages, tools (DOORS, Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink), and methodologies (Agile, SAFe, Earned Value Management) that appear in the job requirements. Place these keywords in context within your experience descriptions rather than in a standalone skills list.

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Quantify Achievements with Defense-Relevant Metrics

Defense and aerospace hiring managers value measurable impact. Quantify your contributions using metrics relevant to the industry: program budget size managed, team size led, schedule milestones met, cost savings delivered, test success rates, system availability percentages, or defect reduction rates. For example, 'Led integration testing for radar subsystem across 14-month development cycle, achieving 98.7% first-pass test success rate on a $240M program' is far more compelling than 'Responsible for testing.' Frame your accomplishments in terms of mission impact whenever possible.

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Highlight Relevant Certifications and Education

Include all relevant professional certifications prominently: PMP, INCOSE CSEP/ASEP, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, AWS certifications, or Six Sigma credentials. List your degree(s) with major, university, and graduation year. For STEM roles, include relevant coursework or thesis topics if you are early in your career. Lockheed Martin values advanced degrees, particularly in engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics. If you have completed any Lockheed Martin-specific training programs or hold certifications from defense-adjacent organizations (DAWIA, DAU), include those as well.

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Showcase Program and Platform Experience

If you have experience with specific defense programs or platforms, name them explicitly unless doing so would violate classification restrictions. Mentioning experience with F-35 sustainment, Aegis Combat System, THAAD, GPS III, or Orion immediately signals domain relevance. For classified work, describe the type of program (e.g., 'DoD sensor fusion program' or 'classified ISR system') and your role without revealing protected details. This signals to hiring managers that you understand the operational context and can contribute with minimal ramp-up time.

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Use Clean, ATS-Compatible Formatting

Submit your resume as a .docx or PDF file with standard section headers (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications). Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers/footers, and graphics that can confuse the TalentBrew parser. Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) at 10-12pt. Keep your resume to two pages for mid-career professionals and one page for early-career candidates. Use simple bullet points with action verbs to begin each accomplishment statement.

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Include Veterans Transition Details if Applicable

Lockheed Martin actively recruits military veterans and has dedicated veteran hiring programs. If you are transitioning from military service, translate your MOS, rate, or AFSC into civilian-equivalent job titles and responsibilities. Include your branch of service, rank at separation, years of service, and any relevant military training or schools (e.g., Naval Nuclear Power School, Army Ranger School, Air Force Test Pilot School). Military experience with the systems Lockheed Martin builds or maintains is particularly valuable and should be highlighted prominently.

ATS System: TalentBrew

Lockheed Martin uses TalentBrew (by TMP Worldwide / Radancy) as its applicant tracking system, accessible through lockheedmartinjobs.com. TalentBrew is a recruitment marketing platform that combines job search, candidate relationship management, and application tracking. The system parses uploaded resumes to extract skills, experience, and qualifications, then matches candidates against job requirements. TalentBrew supports candidate profiles that persist across multiple applications, allowing you to apply to numerous positions without re-entering your information each time. The platform also powers Lockheed Martin's job alerts, career site content, and talent community features.

Upload your resume as a .docx file for the most reliable parsing; avoid PDFs with complex formatting, multi-column layouts, or embedded images that may not parse correctly
Complete every field in your candidate profile, including skills, certifications, and work authorization status, as recruiters use these fields to filter and search the candidate database
Use exact keyword matches from the job description in your resume and profile, as TalentBrew uses keyword matching to rank candidate relevance
Set up job alerts with specific keywords and locations to receive notifications for new postings that match your qualifications before they attract high application volumes
Apply to each position individually with a tailored resume rather than relying on a single generic profile, as each application is screened against that specific role's requirements
Check your application status regularly through the candidate portal, as TalentBrew tracks your progress through each stage of the hiring pipeline

Interview Culture

Lockheed Martin's interview process reflects its engineering-driven, mission-focused culture.

Interviews are structured and consistent, with behavioral questions forming the backbone of every conversation. The company uses the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) extensively, and interviewers are trained to evaluate candidates against predefined competencies including technical excellence, ethical leadership, teamwork, and customer focus. Expect panel interviews with two to four interviewers, typically including the hiring manager, a peer-level team member, and sometimes an HR representative. Technical interviews for engineering roles will probe your depth of knowledge in your specialty area, your ability to work within large integrated systems, and your understanding of defense acquisition processes. For software engineering positions, expect coding exercises or system design discussions rather than pure algorithmic challenges. Lockheed Martin values candidates who demonstrate a long-term commitment to the defense mission, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work within highly regulated environments. The company's culture emphasizes 'doing what's right' through its ethics program, and interviewers may ask about situations where you navigated ethical dilemmas or compliance challenges. Dress code for interviews is business professional. On-site interviews at classified facilities will require advance coordination for visitor access, so respond promptly to scheduling requests and bring valid government-issued identification.

What Lockheed Martin Looks For

U.S. citizenship and eligibility for security clearance, which is a non-negotiable legal requirement for the vast majority of positions due to ITAR, EAR, and DoD contract obligations
Strong technical depth in core engineering disciplines including systems engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or cybersecurity
Experience with or understanding of the defense acquisition lifecycle, including requirements development, systems integration, developmental and operational testing, and production support
Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams on large-scale, complex programs where coordination across multiple engineering disciplines and subcontractors is essential
Problem-solving skills applied to real-world scenarios, evidenced through specific examples using the STAR method that show analytical thinking and sound engineering judgment
Leadership potential and willingness to grow into roles of increasing responsibility, whether on the technical track (Fellow, Senior Fellow) or the management track (Program Manager, Director)
Commitment to ethics, compliance, and quality standards that are fundamental to defense contracting, including familiarity with DFARS, NIST 800-171, and CMMC requirements
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset, particularly around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, directed energy, and autonomous systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to work at Lockheed Martin?

Yes, the vast majority of positions at Lockheed Martin require U.S. citizenship. This is not a company preference but a legal requirement under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which govern access to defense-related technical data and technology. Because Lockheed Martin's work is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies, employees must be eligible to access controlled information. There are a limited number of positions in non-defense business units or international offices that may be open to non-U.S. citizens, but these are rare. Permanent residents (green card holders) may qualify for some roles, but most positions requiring security clearance are restricted to U.S. citizens only.

How do I get a security clearance to work at Lockheed Martin?

You do not need to obtain a security clearance before applying. Lockheed Martin sponsors security clearances for employees who require them for their assigned programs. After you accept a conditional offer, the company initiates the clearance process through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). You will complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), a detailed questionnaire covering your personal history, foreign contacts, financial records, employment history, and criminal background. An investigator will then verify your information, conduct interviews with your references, and assess your suitability. The timeline varies significantly: a Secret clearance typically takes three to six months, while a Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance can take six months to over a year. If you already hold an active clearance from prior military service or another contractor, the transfer process is significantly faster.

What types of engineering roles does Lockheed Martin hire for most frequently?

Lockheed Martin hires across a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, with the highest volume in systems engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and cybersecurity. Systems engineers are needed at every stage of the product lifecycle, from requirements analysis through integration and test. Software engineers work on embedded systems, mission computing, simulation and training, and enterprise IT platforms. Aerospace engineers support aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and flight test for aircraft and missile programs. The company also hires significant numbers of program managers, test engineers, quality engineers, supply chain professionals, and data scientists. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, and hypersonics are growing areas of investment with increasing hiring demand.

What is the interview process like at Lockheed Martin?

The Lockheed Martin interview process typically consists of three stages. First, a recruiter conducts a phone screen lasting 20 to 30 minutes to verify your qualifications, citizenship status, clearance eligibility, and interest in the role. Second, you participate in one or more technical and behavioral interviews, often conducted as panel sessions with two to four interviewers. These interviews emphasize behavioral questions using the STAR format: you will be asked to describe specific situations from your past experience, the tasks you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. Technical questions assess your domain knowledge and problem-solving approach rather than rote memorization. Third, for senior or specialized roles, there may be an additional interview with a program director or executive. The entire process from initial application to offer typically takes four to eight weeks, though positions requiring clearance processing may extend the timeline.

Does Lockheed Martin offer internships and early-career programs?

Yes, Lockheed Martin operates one of the largest STEM internship and co-op programs in the defense industry, hiring thousands of interns annually across all four business areas. Internships are available for undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and related fields. The company also offers several structured early-career development programs, including the Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP), which provides rotational assignments across multiple engineering functions over two to three years. The Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) offers similar rotational experience for operations and supply chain roles. Interns who perform well frequently receive return offers for full-time positions after graduation. To apply for internships, search for 'intern' or 'co-op' on lockheedmartinjobs.com and apply during the fall recruiting season (August through November) for summer positions, as spots fill quickly.

How does Lockheed Martin support veterans in the hiring process?

Lockheed Martin has a dedicated Military Relations team and robust veterans hiring programs. The company is consistently recognized as a top employer for veterans and actively recruits at military transition events, base career fairs, and through partnerships with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, American Corporate Partners, and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. Veterans can leverage their existing security clearances, which are directly transferable and highly valued. When applying, translate your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), Navy rating, or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) into civilian-equivalent job titles and responsibilities. Experience maintaining, operating, or supporting Lockheed Martin platforms such as the F-35, F-22, C-130, Black Hawk, PAC-3, or Aegis system is particularly valuable and should be highlighted prominently. The company also offers a Military Fellowship Program that provides transitioning service members with hands-on experience before they separate from active duty.

What benefits and compensation does Lockheed Martin offer?

Lockheed Martin offers a comprehensive benefits package that is competitive within the defense industry. Compensation includes base salary, annual performance bonuses, and long-term incentive awards for senior roles. The company provides a 401(k) plan with employer matching, a defined benefit pension plan (which is increasingly rare in the private sector), and an employee stock purchase plan. Health benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options. Lockheed Martin also offers tuition reimbursement for job-related advanced degrees, paid time off, flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options for eligible roles, and employee assistance programs. The company invests heavily in professional development through internal training programs, certification reimbursement, and access to learning platforms. Compensation varies significantly by role, location, clearance level, and experience, with cleared engineers in high-cost-of-living areas (Northern Virginia, Denver, Silicon Valley) commanding premium salaries.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Lockheed Martin simultaneously?

Yes, Lockheed Martin encourages candidates to apply to all positions that match their qualifications. Your candidate profile on lockheedmartinjobs.com persists across applications, so you do not need to re-enter your information each time. However, you should tailor your resume and responses for each specific position rather than submitting identical applications across different roles. Each application is reviewed independently by the hiring team for that particular program, so a resume optimized for a systems engineering role on the F-35 program may not score well for a software engineering role on a space program. There is no penalty for applying to multiple positions, and recruiters may even redirect your application to a better-matched opening if they identify a stronger fit within their program portfolio. Track your applications through the candidate portal to monitor status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

What programming languages and technical tools should I know for software roles at Lockheed Martin?

The specific technical requirements vary by program and business area, but the most commonly sought programming languages for Lockheed Martin software engineering roles include C, C++, Java, Python, and Ada for embedded and real-time systems. Mission computing and avionics software frequently requires C and C++ with real-time operating systems (VxWorks, LynxOS). Enterprise and web applications use Java, Python, and JavaScript frameworks. For systems engineering and modeling roles, proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, SysML, and tools like IBM DOORS (requirements management) and Cameo Systems Modeler is highly valued. DevSecOps and cloud engineering roles require experience with AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines. Cybersecurity positions value certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH, along with experience in NIST 800-171, STIG compliance, and vulnerability assessment tools. Include all relevant tools and languages in your resume using the exact terminology from the job description.

Open Positions

Lockheed Martin currently has 2949 open positions.

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