Payload Software Engineer

Lockheed Martin; Havant; On-site; GBP 102,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Havant, Hampshire, UK, is hiring a Payload Software Engineer to develop advanced software for mission-critical payloads. The role focuses on high-reliability software supporting payload operations, data processing and performance in demanding environments.

You will join a skilled engineering team delivering software solutions for next-generation capabilities, with full lifecycle planning, documenting, testing and debugging in a secure, high-integrity environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in software engineering within complex or mission-critical systems.
• Design, develop, and test software for complex technical applications.
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle using structured engineering processes and standards.
• Ability to solve complex software and system-level problems using strong analytical and logical reasoning.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative software solutions to highly complex and mission-critical engineering problems.
• Work under consultative direction, operating with a high degree of autonomy and self-initiative.
• Contribute to or lead software development activities across the full lifecycle, from design through to testing and deployment.
• Engage with senior engineers and stakeholders on significant technical matters, influencing software architecture and technical direction.
• Apply advanced software engineering principles to develop robust, high-quality applications aligned to mission and programme objectives.

Skills

Software engineering

Full software lifecycle

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering/Computer Science

Job description

Payload Software Engineer

Havant, Hampshire, UK

£102,000 - £127,000 Plus Competitive Benefits + Bonus

37.5 hours per week + 4 day work week option

By bringing together people that use their passion for purposeful innovation, at Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.

Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility.

Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work.

At Lockheed Martin, we place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering innovation, integrity, and exemplifying the embodiment of corporate responsibility.

Lockheed Martin Space is one of the four major business areas within Lockheed Martin. LMUK Space is at the forefront of Lockheed Martin’s International growth strategy including building exquisite satellites for a broad array of missions, ground station mission planning and command & control software products deployed to a diverse customer base as well as key capabilities in AI and space exploration and all underpinned by key strategic collaborations with universities in the UK.

We not only deliver on current requirements, Lockheed Martin are always focused on the future requirements of this exciting and growing space domain which is a key enabler to our daily lives and future safety and security.

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence.

This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.

Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long-term economic growth.

Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation.

This is your chance to work on mission critical technology, develop cutting - edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role:

This role focuses on the development of advanced payload software that enables mission-critical capabilities across defence and aerospace programmes.

Positioned at the core of complex space and mission systems, the work involves building high-reliability software that supports payload operations, data processing, and system performance in demanding operational environments.

You will be part of a highly skilled engineering team delivering innovative software solutions that underpin next-generation capability.

The role involves planning, coordinating, and delivering software development activities across the full lifecycle.

This includes designing, developing, documenting, testing, and debugging software that implements logical and mathematical solutions to complex mission and system-level problems.

The software supports payload operations and data processing within high-integrity, constrained environments.

A key aspect of the role is applying appropriate engineering standards, processes, and tools throughout the development lifecycle to ensure robust, reliable, and maintainable software.

It requires strong technical understanding of software engineering principles, computer systems, and mission requirements to translate system needs into effective software solutions.

Additional responsibilities include analysing system capabilities, resolving software design and performance issues, defining input and output requirements, supporting integration activities, and ensuring compliance with software standards.

The role also contributes to technical documentation, operational procedures, and continuous improvement of software engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative software solutions to highly complex and mission-critical engineering problems.
• Work under consultative direction, operating with a high degree of autonomy and self-initiative.
• Contribute to or lead software development activities across the full lifecycle, from design through to testing and deployment.
• Engage with senior engineers and stakeholders on significant technical matters, influencing software architecture and technical direction.
• Apply advanced software engineering principles to develop robust, high-quality applications aligned to mission and programme objectives.

Required skills, qualifications and experience:

Experience in software engineering within complex or mission-critical systems.

Strong background in designing, developing, and testing software for complex technical applications.

Experience working across the full software development lifecycle using structured engineering processes and standards.

Ability to solve complex software and system-level problems using strong analytical and logical reasoning skills.

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with technical stakeholders.

Degree or equivalent qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

LMPeople Qualifications and Experience :

Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 14 years or more of professional experience; or 12 years of professional experience with a related Masters degree. Considered an expert, authority in discipline.

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background.

Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or call 02392 415270.