Payload Software Engineer

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: This role focuses on the development of advanced payload software that enables mission-critical capabilities across defence and aerospace programmes. Positioned at the core of complex space and mission systems, the work involves building high-reliability software that supports payload operations, data processing, and system performance in demanding operational environments. You will be part of a highly skilled engineering team delivering innovative software solutions that underpin next-generation capability.

The role involves planning, coordinating, and delivering software development activities across the full lifecycle. This includes designing, developing, documenting, testing, and debugging software that implements logical and mathematical solutions to complex mission and system-level problems. The software supports payload operations and data processing within high-integrity, constrained environments.

A key aspect of the role is applying appropriate engineering standards, processes, and tools throughout the development lifecycle to ensure robust, reliable, and maintainable software. It requires strong technical understanding of software engineering principles, computer systems, and mission requirements to translate system needs into effective software solutions.

Additional responsibilities include analysing system capabilities, resolving software design and performance issues, defining input and output requirements, supporting integration activities, and ensuring compliance with software standards. The role also contributes to technical documentation, operational procedures, and continuous improvement of software engineering practices.

Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative software solutions to highly complex and mission-critical engineering problems.
• Work under consultative direction, operating with a high degree of autonomy and self-initiative.
• Contribute to or lead software development activities across the full lifecycle, from design through to testing and deployment.
• Engage with senior engineers and stakeholders on significant technical matters, influencing software architecture and technical direction.
• Apply advanced software engineering principles to develop robust, high-quality applications aligned to mission and programme objectives.

Experience:

• Experience in software engineering within complex or mission-critical systems.
• Strong background in designing, developing, and testing software for complex technical applications.
• Experience working across the full software development lifecycle using structured engineering processes and standards.
• Ability to solve complex software and system-level problems using strong analytical and logical reasoning skills.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with technical stakeholders.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

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