Lockheed Martin El Segundo in 2026
Lockheed Martin's El Segundo facility sits a few blocks from Los Angeles Air Force Base (now Los Angeles Space Force Base), which is the Space Systems Command's headquarters and the heart of military space acquisition. If the Pentagon is buying a satellite, the program office is probably at LA SFB, and the engineers building it are probably across the street at Lockheed Martin.
What happens at El Segundo
The El Segundo campus focuses on national security space programs, particularly missile warning, missile defense, and protected communications satellites. This is where Lockheed Martin designs and integrates some of the most sensitive and expensive spacecraft in the US military inventory.
The heritage programs here include SBIRS (Space Based Infrared System), which provides early warning of ballistic missile launches from geostationary orbit. SBIRS is transitioning to the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (NGP) system, and El Segundo is a primary work site for this multi-billion-dollar follow-on program.
El Segundo also houses work on AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency) satellites for jam-resistant military communications, and various classified programs that fall under Space Systems Command acquisitions.
| Program | Mission | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| SBIRS (heritage) | GEO missile warning | Sustaining operations |
| NGP / Next Gen OPIR | GEO missile warning replacement | Active development |
| AEHF | Protected SATCOM | Sustaining + next-gen transition |
| Space Fence support | Space domain awareness | Operational |
| Classified programs | Various national security | Ongoing |
| LM Space HQ functions | Corporate and business development | Permanent |
The proximity to LA SFB is not a coincidence. The Space Systems Command (SSC) manages acquisition of military space systems, and Lockheed Martin positioned its facility nearby to be close to the customer. Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Raytheon also have El Segundo offices for the same reason. The two-mile stretch along El Segundo Boulevard is sometimes called "satellite row."
Roles and salary ranges
El Segundo positions skew toward experienced engineers because the programs are complex, classified, and high-stakes. Entry-level roles exist but are less common than at Littleton's production-oriented campus.
| Role | Level | Salary Range (2026) | Typical Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineer | L2-L4 | $105,000 - $175,000 | OPIR, AEHF, classified |
| Software Engineer | L2-L4 | $110,000 - $185,000 | Mission software, ground |
| RF/Payload Engineer | L3-L4 | $120,000 - $180,000 | SBIRS, OPIR sensors |
| Electrical Engineer | L2-L4 | $105,000 - $170,000 | Avionics, power |
| Program Manager | L3-L5 | $130,000 - $200,000 | All programs |
| Thermal Engineer | L2-L4 | $105,000 - $165,000 | Satellite thermal |
| Mission Assurance | L2-L3 | $100,000 - $145,000 | Quality, reliability |
| Business Development | L3-L4 | $115,000 - $175,000 | Proposals, captures |
| Security Engineer | L2-L3 | $95,000 - $140,000 | Cybersecurity |
| Intelligence Analyst | L2-L3 | $100,000 - $150,000 | Threat analysis |
The LA metro locality adjustment of 36.2% pushes El Segundo salaries higher than most Lockheed Martin locations in absolute terms. A Level 3 systems engineer in El Segundo earns roughly $140,000-$160,000, compared to $125,000-$145,000 for the same level in Littleton, Colorado. However, LA's cost of living eats most of that difference.
Virtually every engineering position at El Segundo requires a Secret clearance at minimum, and many require Top Secret/SCI with polygraph. If you're applying without an active clearance, expect a 6-18 month wait for processing. Lockheed will sponsor clearances for US citizens on programs that need staff, but you can't start classified work until cleared. Some positions offer unclassified assignments during the clearance waiting period.
Living and working in the LA metro
El Segundo is a small city (population ~17,000) on the coast south of LAX airport. It has its own downtown with restaurants and breweries, and it's walkable by LA standards. The beach is a few blocks away.
The El Segundo Lockheed Martin campus is concentrated along a few city blocks, not a sprawling suburban campus like Waterton. This means shorter walks between buildings but less parking and more urban congestion.
| Cost Factor | El Segundo/South Bay | National Average | vs. Denver | vs. Huntsville |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | ~$1,100,000 | ~$430,000 | 130% more | 260% more |
| 1BR apartment rent | ~$2,200 - $2,800 | ~$1,500 | 50% more | 100% more |
| Groceries | 15-20% above avg. | Average | 10% more | 20% more |
| State income tax | 9.3-13.3% | Varies | Much higher | Much higher |
| Gas | $4.50-$5.50/gallon | ~$3.50 | 30% more | 40% more |
The blunt reality: a Lockheed Martin engineer earning $150,000 in El Segundo has less disposable income than one earning $130,000 in Littleton, Colorado or $115,000 in Huntsville, Alabama. California's state income tax alone (9.3% marginal rate at $150K) takes about $10,000-$14,000/year.
| Where Engineers Live | Commute to El Segundo | Median Rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| El Segundo | 5-10 min | $2,400 |
| Manhattan Beach | 10-15 min | $2,800 |
| Hermosa Beach | 10-15 min | $2,600 |
| Redondo Beach | 10-20 min | $2,300 |
| Hawthorne | 10-15 min | $1,900 |
| Torrance | 15-25 min | $2,000 |
| Inglewood | 15-25 min | $1,800 |
| Long Beach | 25-40 min | $1,900 |
| Culver City / West LA | 20-35 min | $2,500 |
The South Bay (El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach) is a popular area for aerospace professionals. SpaceX is in nearby Hawthorne, Northrop Grumman's Space Park is in Redondo Beach, and Aerospace Corporation is in El Segundo. You can change employers without changing your commute, and the beach-town lifestyle is a genuine perk.
SBIRS and OPIR: the core programs
Understanding the SBIRS/OPIR mission helps explain why El Segundo exists as a Lockheed Martin hub.
SBIRS satellites sit in geostationary orbit (GEO, ~36,000 km altitude) and watch for the infrared signatures of ballistic missile launches. When a missile is launched anywhere in the world, SBIRS detects the heat plume within seconds and sends an alert to US Strategic Command. This is the first line of defense in the US missile warning architecture.
The Next Generation OPIR (Overhead Persistent Infrared) system replaces SBIRS with more capable satellites that can track more complex threats including hypersonic missiles and maneuvering warheads. This is one of the largest classified space programs in the Department of Defense, with a contract value estimated at $14+ billion.
Engineers on OPIR work across the full spacecraft bus and payload:
- Infrared sensor design: Focal plane arrays, cryocoolers, optics
- Signal processing: Detecting and characterizing targets against Earth's IR background
- Spacecraft bus: Power, propulsion, attitude control, thermal, structures
- Ground systems: Software for processing alerts and distributing warnings
- Mission operations: Commanding satellites, monitoring health, updating algorithms
Nearby aerospace competitors
El Segundo and the South Bay are dense with aerospace employers. If Lockheed Martin isn't the right fit, alternatives are close:
| Company | El Segundo Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Northrop Grumman (Space Park) | Redondo Beach (4 mi) | SBIRS payload, B-21, JWST heritage |
| Raytheon (RTX) | El Segundo | Missile defense sensors, radar |
| Aerospace Corporation | El Segundo | FFRDC for Space Force |
| SpaceX | Hawthorne (5 mi) | Falcon, Starship, Starlink |
| Boeing Space | El Segundo (3 mi) | WGS, satellite systems |
| L3Harris | Various South Bay | EO/IR sensors, communications |
| Virgin Orbit (closed) | Long Beach | N/A (ceased operations 2023) |
The concentration of employers means you can build a full aerospace career in the South Bay without relocating. Many engineers move between Lockheed, Northrop, and Raytheon over the course of a career, taking their clearances with them.
Search current Lockheed Martin openings or browse all defense space jobs on Zero G Talent. You can also explore positions at Northrop Grumman and SpaceX in the same area.
How to get hired at El Segundo
- Apply online at Lockheed Martin's careers page. Filter by location "El Segundo, CA" and your discipline.
- Highlight clearance status. If you hold an active clearance, put it at the top of your resume. This is the single biggest discriminator for El Segundo roles.
- Emphasize space/defense experience. SBIRS, AEHF, or any IR/EW sensor experience is directly relevant. Experience at Northrop, Raytheon, or Aerospace Corp transfers directly.
- Expect a long process. Between application, interviews, clearance processing, and start date, 3-6 months is typical. For positions requiring new clearances, add 6-12 months.
- Negotiate locality-adjusted salary. El Segundo salaries should reflect LA cost of living. Don't accept a salary calibrated to Colorado or Alabama markets.
FAQ
What does Lockheed Martin do in El Segundo?
Lockheed Martin El Segundo focuses on national security space programs, primarily missile warning satellites (SBIRS, Next Gen OPIR), protected military communications (AEHF), and classified space programs. The facility's proximity to Space Systems Command at Los Angeles Space Force Base makes it a hub for military space acquisition support.
How much do Lockheed Martin engineers make in El Segundo?
Engineers at El Segundo earn $105,000-$185,000 depending on level, discipline, and experience. The LA metro locality adjustment of 36.2% pushes salaries above most Lockheed Martin locations, but the high cost of living in the South Bay means purchasing power is roughly equivalent to lower-salaried positions in Denver or Huntsville.
Is El Segundo a good place to live?
El Segundo is a pleasant small city with a walkable downtown, beach access, and a strong community feel despite being in the LA metro. It's expensive, with median home prices above $1 million, but the quality of life is high. Many aerospace professionals consider the South Bay one of the best places in the country to work in the space industry.
Do I need a security clearance for Lockheed Martin El Segundo?
Yes, for almost all positions. Most engineering roles require Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance. Lockheed Martin will sponsor clearances for US citizens, but the process takes months. Having an active clearance makes you a much more competitive candidate.
How does El Segundo compare to Lockheed Martin Littleton?
El Segundo focuses on national security/defense space programs (OPIR, AEHF, classified), while Littleton handles both civil space (Orion, GPS III) and defense programs. El Segundo salaries are higher in absolute terms due to LA locality pay, but Littleton offers better purchasing power. Littleton has more manufacturing and integration work; El Segundo is more design and program management focused.
