Flight Test Ground System Engineer - Level 4

Lockheed Martin; Henderson (NV); On-site; USD 105,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking a Ground System Engineer (GSE) Level 4 to join the Skunk Works team in Henderson, NV. The role focuses on system planning, integration, verification, and validation for complex hardware/software environments tied to DoD projects.

Candidates should have a TS clearance and DoD IAT II certification, along with a degree in IT/CS and 3–5 years of IT infrastructure experience.

Qualifications

• Top Secret clearance with special program access.
• DoD IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or CCNA).
• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field; equivalent experience also accepted.
• 3 to 5 years of hands-on IT infrastructure experience; strong OS, virtualization, and directory services skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Strong written and verbal communications, interpersonal relations, organizational, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Willing to travel, work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation.
• Conduct cost and risk analyses and supportability assessments for total systems.
• Design, development, and analysis of computer systems or programs based on user/system specifications.
• Translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications; manage interfaces.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

3 to 5 years IT infrastructure

Windows/Linux operating systems

Virtualization

User directory services

Strong communication

Willing to travel and work rotating/ir

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science; equivalent experience

DoD IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, CCNA)

Job description

Standard Job Description

At Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicles to refining aircraft that defy gravity, our engineers live on the cutting edge of technology. Never have the opportunities for a technical career been so limitless.

Join us as a Lockheed Martin Ground System Engineer (GSE) -- Level 4 with our legendary Skunk Works® organization. Skunk Works is an integral part of Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics business area responsible for advanced systems development including conceptual design and rapid prototyping of clean sheet solutions and improvements and derivatives to existing systems. The ideal skunk is an agile, multi-faceted teammate who loves to solve our customer's most difficult challenges. Some of our unclassified projects include the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-22 Raptor, F-117 Nighthawk, and the F-35 Lightning II. Learn more about some of the incredible things we do at https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/aeronautics/skunkworks.html .

The Ground System Engineer (GSE) is a specialized system engineer that acts as a system expert. They perform computer administrations functions to include software installations and upgrades, user account and hardware maintenance. They also deal with real-time troubleshooting of complex hardware/software anomalies with analysis and evaluation of asset under test. They execute readiness tests to verify system under test functionality.

More generally, this position performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems, and information technology related responsibilities including design, development, and analysis of computer systems or programs based on and related to user or system design specifications; applying systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users to determine hardware, software, or system functional specifications. Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to maintain a Top Secret clearance with special program access

• DoD IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or CCNA)

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field; equivalent experience also accepted

• 3 to 5 years of hands‑on IT infrastructure experience, and strong expertise in operating systems (Windows / Linux), virtualization, and user directory services

• Strong attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot technical issues

• Possess strong written and verbal communications, interpersonal relations, organizational, troubleshooting, and analytical skills

• Must be willing to travel, work any shift (support rotating shifts), weekends and holidays to meet customer requirements

Desired Skills

• Experience in engineering documentation, configuration control and change boards, and systems management

• History interfacing directly with DoD customers

• Proven Flight Test experience

• COMSEC - Configuring and troubleshooting End Cryptographic Units (ECUs) and secure tactical or enterprise comms

• Knowledge of avionics systems and or flight test concepts

• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment

• Experience with enterprise hardware and core networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00

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.

Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.