I’m excited to start my new job at Lockheed in FW, TX, soon! I’ll be driving 60 miles ish from Frisco, crossing PGB and I-30, which usually takes about an hour, but can be longer on a bad day. Does anyone do this long commute and does it drain you?
Do you have any tips on what time to leave to get to the plant on time, especially since I’ve heard the parking can get pretty crowded if you arrive late?
Tidal basin overlooking Jefferson memorial
Hey everyone,
I’m meeting with my college counselor next week because I’m thinking about changing my major. I originally planned on pursuing Computer Science, but after realizing that job market is cooked I started looking into engineering and built my first Arduino robot arm, I realized I enjoy working on hardware, electronics, and programming physical machines much more than I enjoy the idea of sitting behind a screen writing software all day.
I’m now seriously considering switching to engineering, but I’m still trying to figure out which discipline makes the most sense.
A little about me:
I’m located in the Los Angeles County area (Burbank, San Fernando Valley, Palmdale/Lancaster area).
I’m planning on transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree.
I have a young daughter, so employability and job stability are extremely important to me.
I still want to enjoy what I do because I plan on doing this for the next 30-40 years.
I’m hoping engineers who actually work in the field can give me some honest advice.
Here are my questions:
If you were starting over today in Southern California, would you choose Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another engineering discipline?
Which engineering fields have the strongest job market in the Los Angeles/Burbank/Palmdale area today, and which do you think will still be in demand 3 years from now when I graduate?
Which engineering fields are becoming saturated, and which ones are still relatively underserved?
I’m really interested in robotics, embedded systems, automation, controls, aerospace, and defense. Which engineering major gives me the best balance between interesting work and strong job opportunities?
How difficult is it to break into aerospace or defense as a new graduate? Do most of those jobs really require security clearances?
Do visible tattoos, specifically a neck tattoo, realistically affect hiring in engineering, aerospace, or defense? I’m looking for honest answers from people who have actually worked in those industries.
If you could go back to your freshman year, what skills, projects, certifications, or internships would you focus on to become more employable by graduation?
I’m not looking for the “highest paying” major. I’m looking for a career that I can genuinely enjoy while also providing stability for my daughter. I’d really appreciate hearing from engineers who have been in the industry and can share what they’ve experienced.
Thanks in advance for any advice
Hello! Currently a structural engineer with a Ms in computer science and looking for a career pivot to aerospace
I’ve design bridges, buildings, helicopter landing pads etc but I really want to get into defense
My sister is doing medical school at UCSF. My parents moved to TN, so I would like to be close to her.
I’m worried about the COL in the Sunnyvale office as all the tech giants are in that area.
Does anyone have any advice/recs/experience? Like commute, where to rent, is public transportation a better option?
If it’s 4 days a week and 2 days WFH, maybe a 2 day long commute isn’t so bad.
for the 5th day in a row lockheed martin has got my thumb tapping myself arguing with me to email this shit to lockheed martin asking for a job lol and im getting really covinced here this thing is getting kinda annoyeed.
Hello,
I’ll be starting at Lockheed in the near future and wanted to ask about their tuition assistance. Has anyone gone through it, or know how it works? I’m sure (like most companies) you have to stay there for 1+ years after finishing or you owe. But do I need to be there a certain amount of time before being eligible?
For reference, I’m an MBA student (expected Spr ‘27), I’m also enrolled in an MS program (expected TBD, on pause rn but need 6 more classes).
Anyone familiar with GEM Fellowship, and is it different from Lockheed’s “traditional” tuition program?
Any likelihood of me being able to dual enroll in their tuition assistance program?
Let’s say someone has been with LM for months at this point, and they’ve clearly demonstrated value to management. Let’s assume management has made it clear that this individual is an asset, and they’ve stated they want to keep the individual. If said individual leaves, it would be bad for the program.
If this person gets an offer from another employer, with the offer being close to or beyond the max of the payband, would management typically entertain renegotiating salary, provided the foregoing is true?
Has this happened to anyone before?
Hey everyone! I have a Software Engineer I interview with Lockheed Martin on Monday, and I’m looking for any advice from people who’ve interviewed or worked there.
I’m a Biomedical Engineering student, so while I have programming experience, this would be my first software engineering role. I’m excited but definitely a bit nervous.
For those who have gone through the interview process:
What was the interview like?
What kinds of technical or behavioral questions were you asked?
Did they focus more on coding, projects, or problem-solving?
Any tips on how to prepare over the next few days?
Anything you wish you had known before your interview?
I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. Thanks!
Has anyone ordered a polo from the employee-only merchandise website with the Skunk Works logo? I'd like to pick one up but they all the online images only have the normal Lockheed Martin star logo.
Is the Skunk Works insignia also stitched as the ones are that have the Lockheed logo?
If anyone has images, it'd be awesome if you could DM me
I’m in over my head—seasoned tech here.
First time in a manufacturing environment.
Do you have any advice?
Hey everyone,
I reviewed the sub rules and I’m trying to avoid a generic “how do I get hired” post. I’m looking for more specific feedback on role alignment and how to better target Lockheed Martin RMS cyber/security engineering positions.
My background: I’m a Cyber Warfare Technician with 10+ years of combined military experience across defensive cyber operations, host/network analysis, incident response, threat hunting, systems, intelligence analysis, and leadership. I also have experience with Linux/Windows environments, AWS, CI/CD, Docker, Ansible, SIEM/log analysis, vulnerability assessment, and security automation. I currently hold an active TS/SCI with polygraph.
I’ve applied to several Lockheed roles tied to cyber, systems, and security work, especially around Orlando, FL. I did get one interview, but I was not selected. I’m not giving up, but I want to be more deliberate instead of just submitting applications and hoping something sticks.
For those familiar with Lockheed RMS or similar cleared defense roles, I’m trying to understand where this background best fits:
Would this profile align better with ISSO/RMF, cyber defense analyst, Linux systems engineering, security engineering, or systems integration roles?
For RMS-style roles, does Lockheed typically value hands-on DCO/threat hunting experience, or do they prioritize platform-specific engineering experience more heavily?
When tailoring applications, should I lead with clearance and military cyber operations, or with tools/engineering skills like Linux, AWS, Docker, SIEM, and automation?
Are there common gaps that military cyber candidates run into when trying to move into Lockheed cyber or systems roles?
I’m not asking for a shortcut or referral. I’m trying to better understand how to position my background toward the right role family and avoid applying to positions that are not a strong match.
Appreciate any insight from people who have worked in or applied to RMS, cyber, ISSO, systems engineering, or cleared technical roles.
Currently an intern and was wondering where can I go see the pay band for my future role. I plan on getting a return offer full time and wanted to position myself well for negotiations. I worked full time during undergrad so hopefully they consider that.
I'm a new grad (22, B.S. in Physics with Comp. Sci. & Engineering coursework, projects, & research experience) & just accepted an offer a bit ago from RMS for a L1 DevSecOps Systems Engineer role in NJ by Philadelphia. I did have a referral to the role, so that likely helped me out the most. The offer is $78.7k with $5k relocation, & I didn't negotiate because it was the only offer I had & I assumed fresh grads don't have enough leverage to negotiate salary/benefits.
I'm fortunate enough to be out of college debt-free & with a decent amount of savings I built throughout high school & college to move out/get my adult life started. I also started a mostly online Aerospace M.S. that would have been a 4 + 1, but since I got this job offer, I'll be a part time student & it'll take an extra year (I'm covering these first 1 or 2 classes, but hoping Lockheed covers the rest when I start).
I've always wanted to work in the Aerospace industry, & I'm so relieved I now have a foot in the door. I was honestly super anxious about it with everything going on for college grads lately, especially since I come from a super tiny liberal arts college with no engineering program (I had to take my engineering courses at a nearby university). I'm thinking down the line (several years, I need to learn to do my job 1st), I might transfer to Space, as that's more my passion & I heard there's pretty good mobility within Lockheed. I also have always wanted to live in/near a major city, so everything looks pretty good to me so far.
Am I doing well for myself so far? Could I have done better given my scenario?
Should I have tried to negotiate salary/benefits? Can I still do so even after accepting the offer and currently waiting for my clearence?
What should I prepare for as far as the work goes? Skills to pick back up/build on? Office politics? etc.
Am I thinking/worrying about the idea of transferring too soon? How long should I stick with RMS before asking to move to Space? I've heard they can be very similar, at least between NJ and the King of Prussia locations, so is it even worth it to transfer at all?
I've heard from many that Lockheed is great to start, but not to stay forever. I do have some start-up/mid-size companies that i'm keeping my eye on, but wouldn't want to work for just yet until they have better footing in the industry. Is Lockheed good long term? Or should I see it as just a stepping stone in my career?
Any tips on living in the NJ side of the Philly metro area would be much appreciated! I'm on the lookout for apartments, thinking of Parkview Towers in Collingswood, but let me know if you have other recommendations. I tend to be more frugal.
I'm near a few different LM offices. Have been applying to SWE roles and tailoring my resume the best I can to each. Just past 50 resumes and not a single interview. I've had a few recruiters reach out but never heard back. Assuming because of no clearance and maybe non-defense background is why. I have the years of experience for senior roles, but the technologies are never 1:1.
How many times did you apply before you got an interview? How many years of experience did you have and did you already have clearance? Any tips would be appreciated.
For some background, I got accepted into ELDP. For my entire career I have been doing technical, hand on keyboard, engineering work. While I do generally like it, I am interested in exploring what else is out there besides just technical roles. The whole point of ELDP is to take on new and exciting roles that give you some experience in a rotation without the repercussion of being stuck there if you hate it. (Along with all the leadership experience as well)
I want to get into Program Managing. Either a business program or a corporate initiative like 1LMX. For those that have made a transition from technical to business development, how was it? What was your experience with it? Do you regret the transition?
Good morning! I’m currently interning at Lockheed and recently had a conversation with my boss about return offers. He mentioned that many interns who return do require a security clearance, and that got me thinking about my situation.
I was born in Iran (I wish I wasn’t lol) but moved to the U.S. as a child. The last time I visited Iran was almost a decade ago for a family vacation. I am a U.S. citizen, my parents are U.S. citizens, and my grandparents also live here, so no immediate family in Iran. My family and I have no ties to the Iranian government or anything connected to it which sounds kinda crazy for me to have to mention that since we are U.S. citizens but gotta make sure that’s out the way lol
I was wondering if anyone has experience or insight on whether being born in Iran (or having a similar situation) can prevent someone from obtaining a security clearance. I understand the process is thorough and that every case is evaluated individually, but I’m hoping to see if anyone may have gone through something similar.
I completely understand and expect that there may and will be additional questions, interviews, or steps involved during the process, and I’m more than willing to cooperate, provide any information requested, and answer everything truthfully to them.
I really enjoy my team and my experience here at Lockheed so far, and this is a company I genuinely hope to continue growing and working with. Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi all, I just received an offer for Lockheed Martin. Do they offer sign on bonuses? How have you guys gone about requesting one?
Little context (if it matters at all); I am coming with a few years of prior work experience, so this is not my first job right out of college.