Systems Hardware Engineer

About This Role

Lockheed Martin is hiring a Systems Hardware Engineer to support avionics, combat systems, or space systems programs including the F-35, C-130J, and Orion spacecraft. You will contribute to the hardware architecture and integration of complex defense and space systems, working on programs that define national security capabilities for decades.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Systems Hardware Engineer
• Company: Lockheed Martin
• Location: Fort Worth, TX / Bethesda, MD / Orlando, FL / Sunnyvale, CA / Colorado Springs, CO
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry to Mid-level (0–4 years)
• Salary Range: $37–$54/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-07
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-07

Role Context

Lockheed's hardware engineers work within Integrated Program Teams (IPTs) that cover a specific subsystem — avionics, electronic warfare, or space systems hardware. You will be responsible for requirements decomposition, hardware design, and integration testing within your IPT. Programs like the F-35 and Next Generation Interceptor operate under rigorous systems engineering processes driven by MIL-STD-499 and DO-178/254.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and review hardware designs for avionics, fire control, or space systems subsystems
• Allocate system requirements to hardware components and generate hardware design specifications
• Conduct hardware qualification testing per applicable MIL and DO standards
• Participate in CDRs, PDRs, and TRRs with program management and customer representatives
• Perform FMEA and fault tree analysis to support system safety assessments
• Work with test teams to develop and execute hardware acceptance test procedures

Requirements & Skills

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• Experience with hardware design or hardware verification activities
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes (requirements, ICD development, V&V)
• Knowledge of avionics standards (DO-254, DO-160) or space hardware standards is a plus
• US Secret clearance or eligibility required (US citizenship)
• Strong technical writing skills for formal program documentation

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $37–$54/hr with Lockheed Martin annual bonus and long-term incentive programs
• Onsite at program-specific facilities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Defined benefit pension plan plus 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance and professional engineering certification support

Who Should Apply

Engineers interested in working on hardware that defines defense and space capabilities at a national scale. Lockheed Martin offers structured career growth through its Engineering Leadership Development Program, and its clearance-eligible roles provide long-term career leverage in the defense sector.

About the Company

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor, producing the F-35 fighter, C-130J transport aircraft, Orion spacecraft, and ballistic missile defense systems. Its 60,000+ engineering workforce spans aeronautics, space, missiles, and rotary-wing systems across facilities throughout the United States.

How to Apply

Apply at Lockheed Martin Jobs. Search "Systems Hardware Engineer." The process includes a recruiter screen, technical interviews covering hardware design and systems engineering methodology, and a background investigation for clearance. US citizenship is required.