Lockheed Martin · 1 day ago
Flight Test Manager - Level 5
Palmdale, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expLockheed Martin is a leader in aerospace and defense, and they are seeking a Flight Test Manager for their Skunk Works® team. The role involves leading a multicultural flight-test organization, translating customer requirements into executable test solutions, and ensuring safe execution across multiple platforms.
AerospaceCyber SecurityMachinery ManufacturingMilitaryNational SecurityRemote SensingSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Act as the primary customer interface, converting mission requirements into detailed test plans, measurable objectives, and deliverables while building credible relationships with both company and customer leadership
Develop, execute, and control flight‑test schedules, risk assessments, and resource allocations; manage the overall customer budget and ensure compliance with contractual performance metrics, safety regulations, and export‑control requirements
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of pilots, test engineers, technicians, and safety/security personnel, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
Oversee flight‑test execution, data collection, and analysis; introduce advanced test technologies (real‑time telemetry, synthetic‑environment simulation) to validate aircraft performance, systems, and weapons integration
Conduct comprehensive risk and safety assessments, enforce mitigation strategies, and ensure all activities meet FAA/EASA, DoD, and corporate safety standards
Qualification
Required
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN – This position is located at a facility that requires special access
The selected candidate must possess an active Top Secret clearance to start
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or STEM related field
Minimum 10 years of aviation/flight test experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or program manager role overseeing pilots, engineers, and support staff
Strong knowledge of flight test planning, data acquisition, aircraft performance, systems integration, and safety regulations (FAA/EASA, DoD)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams
Experience managing large, customer funded budgets and ensuring compliance with contractual performance metrics
Willingness to travel as required
Proactive problem solving, diplomatic judgment under pressure, and familiarity with emerging test technologies
Ability to resolve ethical, moral and personality conflicts with employees
Exemplary customer and employee relationship skills
Benefits
Flexible scheduling options
Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package
Company
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that specializes in advanced technology systems, products, and services. It is a sub-organization of Lockheed Martin.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$6.06BKey Investors
Air Force Research Laboratory
2025-12-05Post Ipo Debt· $3B
2025-08-28Post Ipo Debt· $3B
2023-11-13Grant· $33.7M
Leadership Team
Jim Taiclet
Chairman, President & CEO
Craig Martell
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2026-01-22
2026-01-17
Technology - WSJ.com
2026-01-17
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