Chief Engineer, X-59 – Level 6

Job ID: 717768BR Date posted: Feb. 17, 2026
Description:

You will be the Chief Engineer - X-59 for the Skunk Works which is responsible for delivering breakthrough quiet‑supersonic capability.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Chief Engineer - X-59 you will be responsible for steering the technical direction of the X‑59 program, safeguarding engineering excellence and ensuring the aircraft meets stringent performance, safety and contractual standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide decisive technical leadership and oversight for all engineering disciplines supporting the X‑59 program.


• Partner with functional engineering teams, Program Managers and Technical Execution Leads to develop and sustain the X‑59 aircraft.


• Maintain rigorous configuration management and continued airworthiness of the X‑59 platform.


• Lead engineering review boards to verify that performance, technical and contractual requirements are met.


• Conduct peer reviews of other Skunk Works programs on an as‑required basis, including restricted projects.

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 culture that empowers you to think big, act with purpose, and turn bold ideas into reality? We provide the resources and flexibility you need to excel, innovate, and enjoy the impact of your work.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned engineering leader with a track record of delivering complex aerospace programs on schedule and within budget. You thrive in high‑stakes environments, inspire cross‑functional teams, and champion a culture of rigorous technical discipline. Your collaborative mindset and strategic vision make you ideally suited to guide the X‑59 program to successful flight.

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 Secret clearance to start.

Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM discipline

• Experience as a chief engineer or technical leader on an aerospace program

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to distill and articulate complex issues into succinct, cohesive executive summaries
Desired Skills:
• Chief engineer experience to include technical oversight of an aircraft technical baseline, risk & opportunity management, and conduct of System Engineering Technical Reviews (SETR)

• Experience in the design, flight test and/or
operation of supersonic aircraft

• Experience in aircraft flight operations and sustainment to include field repair and aircraft sortie generation

• Experience with Safety Management Systems
(SMS)

• Experience with airworthiness certification for
software and hardware systems

• Passion for personal accountability, achievement, learning and continual improvement
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $164,300 - $289,800. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: 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.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $189,000 - $327,635. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: 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.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Aeronautical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First