Flight Test Manager - Level 5

Lockheed Martin • Palmdale, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

You will be the Flight Test Manager for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Skunk Works® team which is responsible for delivering worldwide flight‑test capabilities that turn visionary aircraft concepts into operational reality. What You Will Be Doing As the Flight Test Manager you will be responsible for leading a high‑performing, multicultural flight‑test organization, translating customer requirements into executable test solutions, and ensuring safe, on‑schedule execution across multiple platforms. Your responsibilities will include: 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. What’s In It For You We are committed to supporting your work‑life balance and overall well‑being, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a team that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and flexibility you need to inspire, focus, and excel—if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love, we want to build a better tomorrow with you. Who You Are You are a decisive leader with deep expertise in flight‑test operations and a proven record of delivering complex aerospace programs on time and within budget. You excel at influencing senior stakeholders, translating technical data into clear actions, and energizing cross‑functional teams across time zones and cultures. Your analytical rigor, executive presence, and commitment to safety make you the ideal partner for the Skunk Works mission. Further Information About This Opportunity 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.

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 Top Secret clearance to start.
• Management experience
• Experience working with different engineering and test disciplines
• Experience with planning and schedules
• Experience with customer interface
• Experience resolving conflicts and providing technical direction
• Active Top Secret Clearance

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or STEM related field.
• Experience: 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.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of flight test planning, data acquisition, aircraft performance, systems integration, and safety regulations (FAA/EASA, DoD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams; excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at interfacing with customers and senior management.
• Budget & Contract Management: Experience managing large, customer funded budgets and ensuring compliance with contractual performance metrics.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel as required.
• Additional Skills: 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

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.

Benefits

• flexible scheduling options
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees