Chief Engineer Principal

Lockheed Martin•Fort Worth, TX

6d•$164,300 - $289,800•Onsite

About The Position

You will be the Chief Engineer Principal for the Chief Engineer’s Office for F‑35 Development which is responsible for leading the technical execution of the F‑35 Engine modernization and Power‑Thermal Management System upgrades. What You Will Be Doing As the Chief Engineer Principal you will be responsible for providing overall engineering authority across system architecture, integration, airworthiness, and lifecycle sustainment to deliver a reliable, high‑performance solution. You are a proven engineering leader with deep expertise in aerospace propulsion, power, and thermal management. You bring a collaborative, strategic mindset and a record of delivering complex, high‑impact solutions on schedule. Your ability to navigate technical challenges, influence cross‑functional teams, and champion mission‑focused outcomes makes this role a unique opportunity to shape the future of the F‑35 program.

Requirements

MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
The selected candidate must possess an active Secret clearance to start.
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
Significant experience leading complex aerospace or propulsion development programs.
Demonstrated expertise in system integration, thermal management, or power systems within aviation or defense platforms.
Strong understanding of requirements management, design reviews, and verification/validation processes.
Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and communicate effectively with executive stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering discipline.
Experience with military aircraft propulsion, mission systems integration, or modernization programs.
Background in power/thermal management architectures, digital twins, or advanced modeling & simulation.
Familiarity with airworthiness certification processes and defense acquisition environments.
Prior Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or Technical Director experience on large-scale aerospace programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the technical execution of the F‑35 Engine modernization and PTMS upgrade programs.
Define and own system architecture and integration strategies.
Ensure compliance with airworthiness certification requirements.
Develop and drive lifecycle sustainment and reliability initiatives.
Align engineering deliverables with mission objectives and customer needs.