Senior AI & Autonomy Lead

Lockheed Martin; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 228,000 - 424,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) match

PTO & Holidays

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Job summary

Lockheed Martin leads advanced R&D in autonomous systems for defense and commercial customers. The role focuses on AI/ML expertise, algorithm development, and prototype testing across perception, mission planning, and control domains.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in AI/ML/autonomy and 5+ years of team leadership, with the ability to translate mission needs into technical programs and to communicate complex concepts to executives. TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, CS, math, physics, or related field.
• 10+ years in AI, ML, autonomy, robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years leading technical teams or programs.
• Experience leading AI/autonomy tech from inception through delivery.
• Experience translating mission needs into technical strategies.
• Ability to communicate complex AI topics to scientists and executives.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of autonomous system algorithms for defense and commercial customers.
• Drive AI/ML models from research to prototype testing and deployment.
• Advance ML, CV, and control algorithms for mission systems.
• Develop prototypes enabling autonomous functionality in LM products.
• Coordinate with perception, planning, simulation, and modeling teams.
• Apply effective AI prompting techniques for the role.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Autonomy & robotics

Team leadership

Executive communication

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or related field

Master’s or PhD (preferred)

Job description

Lockheed Martin leads advanced R&D in autonomous systems for defense and commercial customers. The role focuses on AI/ML expertise, algorithm development, and prototype testing across perception, mission planning, and control domains.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in AI/ML/autonomy and 5+ years of team leadership, with the ability to translate mission needs into technical programs and to communicate complex concepts to executives. TS/SCI clearance is required.