Applications Engineer Principal - Strategic Change Leader

Lockheed Martin; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 368,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible work arrangements (e.g., 4x10

401(k) match

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Palmdale, CA is seeking a principal Applications Engineer to drive change within Aero Operations and shape long‑range investment strategies. You will support strategic initiatives, lead cross‑functional efforts, and develop investment plans for critical capabilities.

The role requires strong program management and a track record of influencing senior leaders. You will build relationships across teams and accelerate progress for key initiatives while enabling strategic decision

Qualifications

• Expertise in Full Size Determinant Assembly (FSDA) and its application to fabrication techniques.
• Experience conducting Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs) to evaluate processes and maturity.
• Exposure to aerospace fabrication processes such as composites or metallic/non‑metallic machining.
• Proficiency with change management and/or project management methodologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead Commodity and Site Strategy development across Operations to align investments.
• Generate MRAs to validate program maturity and champion their use organization‑wide.
• Develop long‑term investment plans for critical capabilities.
• Support Make‑Buy & Make‑Where analyses and Pursuit & Capture efforts.
• Implement process standardization and business rhythm across the team.

Skills

FSDA

MRAs

Aerospace fabrication

Change management

Project management

Executive communication

Leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Mechanical/ Aerospace/ Industrial Engineering or MBA

Job description

Lockheed Martin in Palmdale, CA is seeking a principal Applications Engineer to drive change within Aero Operations and shape long‑range investment strategies. You will support strategic initiatives, lead cross‑functional efforts, and develop investment plans for critical capabilities.

The role requires strong program management and a track record of influencing senior leaders. You will build relationships across teams and accelerate progress for key initiatives while enabling strategic decision