Software Systems Architect Manager - Space Protection Programs

Lockheed Martin•Littleton, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Space Protection Programs (SPP) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Software Systems Architect Manager to lead the strategy and evolution of Spacecraft Flight Software (FSW) Systems across a multi-program portfolio. This is a Level 5 technical leadership role responsible for driving system-level execution across software systems engineering, integration, test, and DevOps functions. The leader will oversee software focused Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs), Component Engineers (CPEs), Software Architects, Software Systems engineers, Software Test engineers, and Agile/DevOps teams, ensuring aligned execution from requirements through integration and mission delivery. This role operates in a mission-critical, highly integrated environment where success depends on disciplined execution, tight coordination across teams, and consistent delivery of integrated, verified capabilities. The ideal candidate is a hands-on systems thinker and execution leader who energies strategic execution, thrives in complexity, drives clarity in ambiguous environments, and ensures engineering teams deliver integrated, mission-ready systems.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in software engineering and systems execution in aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical environments
Understanding of embedded systems, flight software, or safety-critical system development
Strong systems engineering mindset with experience spanning software, hardware, and integration domains
Hands-on experience with Agile execution at scale, including backlog management, release planning, and delivery governance
Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program controls, and performance tracking
Strong ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing engineering teams
Active TS/SCI w CI Poly required

Nice To Haves

Prior Spacecraft Flight Software development experience
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-team, multi-program engineering execution efforts
Knowledge of embedded systems architectures and test experience using embedded systems.
Agile development experience
Prior engineering management or project lead experience including task planning, resource management, and employee development and mentoring
Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs
Experience working in technical teams across multiple locations
Integration and test experience with large complex software systems
Continuous integration experience
Excellent communication skills with ability to engage technical teams, program leadership, and customers

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end execution of flight software systems engineering across multiple programs within the SPP portfolio
Ensure alignment between system architecture, requirements, verification strategy, and software execution
Using SW RSEs and CPEs, drive resolution of integration issues across hardware, software, and external interfaces and ensure integration readiness and execution sequencing across development teams and programs
Oversee software verification and validation planning in coordination with systems engineering and test organizations
Train the team on Agile concepts supporting consistent execution cadences across teams, ensure backlogs reflect true system priorities, integration dependencies, and mission-critical sequencing
Support standardization of metrics and execution data to forecast delivery, identify risks, and manage program health
Lead workforce planning, staffing strategy, hiring decisions, and team growth across software architecture, software systems engineering, test, and DevOps functions
Foster a high-accountability execution culture focused on ownership, integration discipline, and delivery outcomes ensure engineering teams are aligned, engaged, and executing effectively within a complex multi-program environment