Lockheed Martin Fort Worth hiring in 2026: F-35, roles, and what to expect
Lockheed Martin Fort Worth hiring in 2026: F-35, roles, and what to expect
Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth, Texas plant is the company's Aeronautics division headquarters and the final assembly line for the F-35 Lightning II — the largest defense program in history. With approximately 16,000 employees, it's one of the largest LM facilities and one of the top aerospace employers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
What Fort Worth builds
F-35 Lightning II — Three variants (F-35A conventional, F-35B STOVL, F-35C carrier) are assembled here. The facility delivers 130–160 aircraft per year to the U.S. military and international partners.
F-16 upgrades — Sustainment and modernization of existing F-16 fleets.
Future programs — Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and other classified aeronautics programs.
Roles and hiring
| Category | Examples | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | Structures, aerodynamics, flight test | $80K–$155K |
| Software Engineer | Mission systems, avionics, flight software | $90K–$165K |
| Systems Engineer | Integration, requirements, V&V | $85K–$160K |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Assembly process, tooling, automation | $75K–$130K |
| Production Technician | Aircraft assembly, composite layup, wiring | $45K–$75K |
| Quality Engineer | Inspection, supplier quality, MRB | $80K–$135K |
| Test Engineer | Flight test, ground test, avionics test | $85K–$145K |
Why Fort Worth
- Zero state income tax — Texas has no state income tax, adding 5–10% to take-home pay vs. California or Maryland
- Moderate cost of living — Dallas-Fort Worth housing is significantly cheaper than LA, Seattle, or DC
- 9/80 schedule — Every other Friday off (standard at most LM sites)
- F-35 job security — The F-35 program is funded through the 2070s, providing unusual long-term stability
- 10% 401(k) — LM's 6% match + 4% auto contribution
An E3 Senior Engineer earning $120K in Fort Worth takes home approximately $95K after federal taxes (no state tax). The same salary in Sunnyvale, CA would yield ~$85K after federal + 9.3% state tax — and Sunnyvale housing costs 2–3x more. Fort Worth offers arguably the best purchasing power of any major LM site.
How to apply
Search lockheedmartin.com/careers filtered by "Fort Worth, TX." Most positions require U.S. citizenship due to ITAR/EAR restrictions on the F-35 program. Many require ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
Browse Lockheed Martin positions on Zero G Talent, or see our LM engineer salary guide, LM careers guide, and LM aerospace engineer salary.
