Ground Systems IPT Lead

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.

Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long-term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation.

This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role: The Ground Systems IPT Lead will lead all aspects of the Ground Integrated Product Team (IPT) responsible for the development, integration and delivery of the Ground Segment, with accountability for technical performance, schedule, cost, resource planning, and risk and opportunity management. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring close coordination across engineering, operations and programme management teams to drive successful programme execution. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the full product lifecycle — from design and development through integration, production transition and system fielding — while operating with a high degree of autonomy.

The role also includes oversight of day-to-day Ground IPT activities, including workforce planning, team development, allocation and retention of engineering staff, alongside supporting programme planning, coordination, monitoring and delivery activities across the Ground Segment scope.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering Ground Solution capabilities including Payload Monitoring & Control (PM&C), Satellite Monitoring & Control (SM&C), STT&C Monitoring & Control, Link Processing, and Crypto Key Management, while maintaining cost, schedule, and technical baselines throughout the program lifecycle.
• Building, leading, and optimising a multidisciplinary workforce through inclusive, cross-cultural leadership to maximise quality and delivery performance.
• Supporting the Ground IPT Lead, Program, and Executive Leadership in managing the Performance Measurement Baseline, EVMS metrics, engineering metrics, and proactive risk and opportunity management.
• Partnering with LM UK RMS Facilities to complete the Ground System Integration Lab (SIL) in Havant and with LM Space US Facilities to support the SIL in Bethesda, MD.
• Working with the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) to develop sustainable engineering pipelines for LMUK Space.
• Collaborating with Program and Ground Chief Engineers/Architects to establish standard engineering processes aligned with LM Engineering Procedures and technical compliance requirements.
• Supporting Engineering Change Proposals.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognise the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximise value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruitment@global.lmco.com.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with at least 10 years of professional experience. Proven hands-on experience in satellite system level testing and working in cleanrooms / lab environments; Technical Background with Technical Leadership experience and demonstrated problem-solving skills. Familiar with space systems engineering and testing standards, such as ECSS, NASA and MIL-STD; System level understanding of GEO satellites. Familiar with Environmental Verification Testing requirements and process; Experience of Systems Integration and Test Planning, including Assembly, Integration and Test Plan/Procedure Writing. System Requirements management (inc. verification and requirements sell-off). Familiar with testing different subsystem and payload technologies, Familiar with ground systems required for spacecraft missions. Experience leading a System Engineering team on a development program. Experience implementing System Engineering processes and procedures. Extensive understanding of Systems Engineering principles and processes, and their application to complex space architectures through the entire life cycle. Experience in the design, development, integration, and/or delivery of Satellite Communication Systems. Active or current Secret clearance, UK or NATO citizenship is required.

Desired skills: Ability to influence cross functional teams, resolve conflicts, and present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience as a senior System Engineer through the entire lifecycle of a development program. Development program management experience. Recognised as a subject matter expert in the implementation of System Engineering processes and command media, with the demonstrated ability to apply them to a wide range of sophisticated problems and train others in their application. SW Development, Integration, and testing experience (to include requirements and interface definition).

Business Environment: By bringing together people that use their passion for purposeful innovation, at Lockheed Martin we 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 career opportunities designed to propel development 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. At Lockheed Martin, we place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering innovation, integrity, and exemplifying the embodiment of corporate responsibility.

Lockheed Martin Space is one of the four major business areas within Lockheed Martin. LMUK Space is at the forefront of Lockheed Martin’s International growth strategy including building exquisite satellites for a broad array of missions, ground station mission planning and command & control software products deployed to a diverse customer base as well as key capabilities in AI and space exploration and all underpinned by key strategic collaborations with universities in the UK. We not only deliver on current requirements, Lockheed Martin are always focused on the future requirements of this exciting and growing space domain which is a key enabler to our daily lives and future safety and security.

What we offer you: At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more. We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off. We offer Competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement. We have a Wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below: Private Medical Insurance, Competitive Pension, Dental, Critical Illness, Life Assurance, Travel Insurance, Employee discounts for top high street shops, Employee Assistance Program which includes free face to face counseling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc. Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes. Reimbursement for a professional membership. Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave.