Lockheed Martin jobs California in 2026
California is the backbone of Lockheed Martin's most advanced programs. The state hosts the legendary Skunk Works in Palmdale, the Space division's satellite operations in Sunnyvale, and the Advanced Technology Center near Palo Alto. With over 13,000 employees across six major facilities and more than 230 open positions as of early 2026, Lockheed Martin remains one of the largest defense and aerospace employers in the Golden State.
This guide breaks down every major California site, the programs based there, the roles being hired, and what you can expect to earn.
Major California facilities
Palmdale — Skunk Works and Aeronautics
Palmdale is the crown jewel of Lockheed Martin's California presence. Located in the northern reaches of Los Angeles County near Edwards Air Force Base, the Palmdale facility houses the Advanced Development Programs division — better known as Skunk Works.
Skunk Works has been responsible for some of the most iconic aircraft in history: the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Nighthawk, and the F-22 Raptor. Today, the Palmdale team is focused on the F-35 Lightning II production line (final assembly), classified next-generation programs including NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance), and advanced hypersonic systems.
As of February 2026, there are roughly 87 open positions in Palmdale alone, spanning roles from subsystem design engineers and manufacturing engineers to flight test engineers and program managers. Recent postings include Low Observable Engineer Staff, Mechanical Design Engineer Staff, and Subsystems Manufacturing Engineer positions.
| Role | Salary Range | Clearance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Subsystem Design Engineer (E2) | $88K-$119K | Secret minimum |
| Flight Test Engineer (E3) | $105K-$145K | Secret/TS |
| Manufacturing Engineer (E2) | $85K-$115K | Secret |
| Low Observable Engineer Staff (E4) | $130K-$175K | TS/SCI |
| Program Manager (E4-E5) | $145K-$210K | TS/SCI |
Palmdale is a desert community about 60 miles north of downtown LA. Housing costs are significantly lower than Silicon Valley or coastal California — median home prices hover around $480,000 compared to over $1.5 million in Sunnyvale. The tradeoff is summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and limited nightlife, but the proximity to Edwards AFB makes it a tight-knit aerospace community.
Sunnyvale — Space Division and satellite operations
Lockheed Martin's Sunnyvale campus sits on 412 acres adjacent to Moffett Field in the heart of Silicon Valley. This is one of the most important satellite development and manufacturing facilities in the United States. Over 850 satellites have been built here, including Landsat imaging satellites, MUOS (Mobile User Objective System) military communications satellites, and classified surveillance platforms for the intelligence community.
The Sunnyvale campus focuses on next-generation interceptors, hypersonic systems, fleet ballistic missiles (Trident), and satellite payloads. The Space division programs based here directly support national security and expand U.S. presence in orbit.
Current hiring in Sunnyvale covers technical trainers, manufacturing engineers, systems engineers, and satellite integration specialists. Salaries run higher than Palmdale due to Silicon Valley cost of living.
| Role | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineer (E3) | $115K-$155K | Satellite payload focus |
| Technical Trainer | $85K-$110K | Manufacturing training |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $95K-$130K | Clean room operations |
| Software Engineer (E3) | $120K-$165K | Flight/ground software |
| Integration & Test Engineer | $105K-$145K | Satellite I&T |
Palo Alto — Advanced Technology Center
The Advanced Technology Center (ATC), formerly the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, is Lockheed Martin's primary research and development facility on the West Coast. Located in Palo Alto among the tech giants of Silicon Valley, the ATC focuses on fundamental research in areas like quantum computing, materials science, directed energy, and advanced sensors.
The ATC employs PhDs and senior researchers working on problems that are 5-15 years from production. If you prefer research over production engineering, this is the California site to target. Roles tend to require advanced degrees and often come with publication rights — unusual for a defense contractor.
The two facilities are only 10 miles apart but have very different cultures. Palo Alto ATC feels more like a national lab — small teams, academic freedom, long research timelines. Sunnyvale is production-oriented with manufacturing deadlines, shift work, and program milestones. Some engineers move between the two as technologies mature from research to deployment.
Additional California sites
Edwards Air Force Base — Flight test operations for Skunk Works programs. Engineers stationed here support flight test campaigns for the F-35, classified platforms, and hypersonic vehicles. A small but elite team that works directly with the Air Force Test Center.
San Diego — Rotary and Mission Systems division work focused on undersea systems, radar, and electronic warfare. About 1,200 employees support Navy programs including the Aegis Combat System and advanced sonar technologies.
Huntington Beach — A smaller facility supporting Missiles and Fire Control programs, particularly terminal defense systems and precision strike weapons.
Top roles hiring in California
Across all California sites, certain roles appear consistently in 2026 job postings:
Mechanical engineers remain the highest-volume hire, particularly for structural analysis, thermal management, and mechanisms design on satellite and aircraft programs. Entry-level (E1) starts around $83K; senior staff (E4-E5) reach $175K-$216K.
Software engineers are in demand for flight software, ground systems, simulation, and data analytics. Lockheed has increased software hiring to compete with tech companies, and California software salaries reflect the local market — expect $100K-$170K depending on level.
Systems engineers bridge the gap between subsystem teams and program management. These roles require broad technical knowledge and strong communication skills. Mid-career systems engineers (E3) earn $115K-$155K in California.
Manufacturing engineers support production lines in Palmdale and Sunnyvale. These hands-on roles involve process development, tooling design, and quality engineering. Expect $85K-$130K depending on experience.
Security-cleared program managers command premium compensation. With an active TS/SCI clearance and 10+ years of experience, program managers in Palmdale or Sunnyvale can earn $170K-$220K total comp.
Security clearance requirements
Nearly every Lockheed Martin job in California requires U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance. Most positions require at minimum a Secret clearance, while Skunk Works and classified Space programs often require Top Secret/SCI with polygraph.
If you do not currently hold a clearance, Lockheed will sponsor you through the process — but this takes 6-18 months for Secret and 12-24 months for TS/SCI. Having an existing clearance gives you a significant hiring advantage and can add $10K-$20K to your offer through what the industry calls a "clearance premium."
Salary competitiveness vs. California tech
The elephant in the room for any defense contractor hiring in California is Big Tech compensation. A senior software engineer at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale might earn $150K-$170K total comp. The same engineer at Google or Apple — located within a few miles — could earn $300K-$450K.
Lockheed competes on factors other than raw pay: mission appeal, job stability (layoffs are rare in defense), pension contributions, generous PTO (starting at 4 weeks), and the clearance pathway that opens doors across the entire national security sector. The company also offers a 6% 401(k) match and tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year.
Lockheed Martin uses a band system (E1 through E5) for engineers. If you have competing offers from other defense contractors or tech companies, you can often negotiate to the higher end of your band or even jump to the next level. California cost-of-living adjustments are baked into salary bands, but they do not fully match Silicon Valley market rates. Push on signing bonus and relocation assistance — both are negotiable.
How to apply
All Lockheed Martin positions are posted on the official careers site at lockheedmartinjobs.com. You can filter by California locations including Palmdale, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, San Diego, and Edwards AFB. The application process typically involves an online application, a phone screen with a recruiter, a technical interview with the hiring team (often virtual), and a final onsite interview.
For Skunk Works positions in Palmdale, expect additional security screening steps. The hiring process for classified programs can take 2-4 months from application to offer.
You can also browse current Lockheed Martin openings on Zero G Talent to filter specifically for space and aerospace roles across all California locations.
Living and working in California for Lockheed Martin
The experience varies dramatically depending on which facility you join:
Palmdale offers affordable housing, minimal traffic (relative to LA), and a small-town feel. It attracts people who love the desert, aviation history, and working on the most classified programs in the country. Downsides are extreme heat, limited dining and entertainment, and a long commute if you live in the LA basin.
Sunnyvale/Palo Alto puts you in the center of the global tech industry. The downside is cost of living — a one-bedroom apartment in Sunnyvale averages $2,800/month. The upside is access to Silicon Valley's culture, restaurants, mild climate, and the option to transition to tech companies if your career goals shift.
San Diego offers what many consider the best quality of life in California — great weather, beaches, a thriving craft beer scene, and more affordable housing than the Bay Area (though still expensive by national standards).
Related resources
For more Lockheed Martin career information, check out our guides on Lockheed Martin engineer salaries, Lockheed Martin mechanical engineering salary, Lockheed Martin internships, and Lockheed Martin entry-level careers. You can also explore Lockheed Martin's full company profile on Zero G Talent.
FAQ
How many Lockheed Martin employees work in California?
Lockheed Martin employs approximately 13,000 people across its California facilities, with the largest concentrations in Palmdale (Aeronautics/Skunk Works) and Sunnyvale (Space division). The company has 123,000 total employees worldwide as of 2026.
What is the average Lockheed Martin salary in California?
Average salaries range from $85,000 for entry-level technician roles to over $200,000 for senior engineers and program managers. The California average across all engineering roles is approximately $125,000-$140,000, which includes a cost-of-living adjustment above the company's national averages.
Do I need a security clearance for Lockheed Martin jobs in California?
Almost all positions require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for at least a Secret clearance. Skunk Works and classified Space programs require Top Secret/SCI. Lockheed Martin will sponsor your clearance investigation, but having an active clearance significantly accelerates the hiring process.
What is the best Lockheed Martin site in California to work at?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale is best for cutting-edge aircraft and classified programs (Skunk Works). Sunnyvale is best for satellite and space programs with Silicon Valley proximity. Palo Alto is best for R&D-focused careers. San Diego offers the best quality of life. Each site has a distinct culture and program portfolio.
How do Lockheed Martin California salaries compare to tech companies?
Lockheed Martin salaries in California are 30-50% lower than equivalent Big Tech roles for software engineers, and 10-25% lower for hardware and systems engineers. The gap is partially offset by defense benefits including pension contributions, job stability, security clearance value, and mission-driven work that many employees find more fulfilling than commercial tech.
