Lockheed Martin Jobs Houston in 2026

Houston, Texas is the center of human spaceflight in the United States, and Lockheed Martin's presence in the city revolves around one of the most significant programs in aerospace: the Orion spacecraft. As prime contractor for NASA's crew vehicle for the Artemis program, Lockheed Martin's Houston teams work alongside NASA at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to develop, test, and operate the spacecraft that will carry astronauts to the Moon and eventually to Mars. In 2026, with the Artemis II crewed mission preparing for launch, Houston-based Lockheed Martin jobs are at the forefront of deep-space exploration. This guide covers available roles, salary expectations, the Orion program, and what it is like to work in Houston's aerospace community.

The Orion Program in Houston

Lockheed Martin's Houston operations are anchored by the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle — NASA's spacecraft for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. In 2026, the Orion program has reached a critical milestone: the Artemis II spacecraft has been completed and transferred to NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team for final integration and launch preparations.

Artemis Mission Timeline

Lockheed Martin is on contract to develop Orion spacecraft through Artemis VIII, providing a long pipeline of work for Houston-based engineers and support staff.

Houston's Role in the Orion Program

While the Orion spacecraft is assembled at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the crew module pressure vessel is welded at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Houston's Johnson Space Center serves as the nerve center for several critical functions:

• Orion Integrated Test Lab — Engineers configure and run simulations to verify flight software, test mission profiles, and prepare for crew operations. The lab supported Artemis I testing and is now central to crewed mission preparations for Artemis II, with engineers already configuring it for Artemis III.
• Mission operations — The Mission Control Center at JSC manages real-time operations for Orion during flight
• Crew training — Astronauts train for Orion missions at JSC facilities
• Systems engineering — Requirements management, interface control, and systems integration for the Orion vehicle

Available Roles

Lockheed Martin's Houston positions span multiple engineering and technical disciplines:

Software Engineering

Associate Software Engineer, Orion — Entry-level positions on the Orion Program Cockpit team, responsible for developing display formats, flight utility networks, and camera/video systems. This role works through the full software lifecycle to update Orion flight software for the SLS Block 1B upgrade, Co-Manifested Payloads, and Gateway interfaces.

Salary: $69,200–$119,830 (major metro range)

Requirements: Bachelor's in computer science, aerospace, or related engineering discipline

Systems Engineering

Systems engineers manage requirements, interfaces, and verification for Orion subsystems. They ensure that hardware and software from multiple suppliers integrate correctly and meet mission requirements.

Salary: $85,000–$155,000

Flight Software Engineering

Flight software engineers write safety-critical code that controls Orion during flight — from launch through deep-space transit to Earth re-entry. This is some of the most demanding software work in aerospace.

Salary: $95,000–$170,000

Test and Verification Engineering

Test engineers at the Orion Integrated Test Lab design and execute test campaigns that verify spacecraft performance across mission profiles. They develop test procedures, operate simulation environments, and analyze test results.

Salary: $80,000–$145,000

Mission Operations

Mission operations professionals support real-time flight operations from the Mission Control Center. These roles involve monitoring spacecraft health, managing anomalies, and coordinating crew activities during missions.

Salary: $75,000–$135,000

Program Management

Program managers coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple locations and organizations. Houston-based program managers often interface directly with NASA program office personnel at JSC.

Salary: $110,000–$180,000

Working with NASA JSC

One of the unique aspects of Lockheed Martin Houston jobs is the intimate working relationship with NASA. Many Lockheed Martin employees have office space within the JSC campus or work in facilities adjacent to NASA buildings. This proximity creates a collaborative environment where contractor engineers participate in:

• Joint technical reviews and design meetings
• NASA advisory committees and working groups
• Shared test facilities and simulation labs
• Cross-organizational mentoring and knowledge transfer

For engineers passionate about human spaceflight, the opportunity to work alongside NASA astronauts, flight directors, and mission planners is a defining feature of Houston-based Lockheed Martin positions.

Houston as an Aerospace Hub

Houston is America's human spaceflight capital, with an aerospace ecosystem that extends well beyond Lockheed Martin and NASA:

Other Major Employers

• NASA Johnson Space Center — ISS operations, Artemis program management, astronaut training
• Boeing — Space division, ISS support, Starliner crew vehicle
• Axiom Space — Commercial space station development
• Intuitive Machines — Lunar landers and services
• KBR — NASA support contractor
• Jacobs — Engineering and technical services

This concentration of aerospace employers provides career flexibility — engineers who start at Lockheed Martin Houston can move to NASA, Boeing, or commercial space companies without relocating.

Cost of Living

Houston offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to other major aerospace hubs:

Houston's affordable housing, no state income tax, and moderate cost of living mean that a $100,000 salary in Houston delivers more purchasing power than equivalent salaries in Colorado, California, or the DC metro area.

How to Apply

1. Visit lockheedmartinjobs.com and search for positions in Houston, TX
2. Filter by the Space business area for Orion-related roles
3. Create a candidate profile emphasizing aerospace experience and relevant skills
4. Apply to multiple relevant positions to increase your chances
5. Prepare for both technical and behavioral interview components

For a more comprehensive look at all Houston-area opportunities, see our detailed guide on Lockheed Martin jobs in Houston TX. Also explore flight software jobs, mission control careers, and other Lockheed Martin openings on Zero G Talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Lockheed Martin Houston jobs require security clearance?

Most Orion program positions at JSC do not require classified security clearance, as NASA's human spaceflight programs are generally unclassified. However, some positions may require a public trust clearance or the ability to obtain a NASA badge for JSC facility access.

Can I transfer from another Lockheed Martin location to Houston?

Yes. Lockheed Martin supports internal transfers through its mobility program. Engineers at other Lockheed Martin Space locations (Littleton, Sunnyvale, Huntsville) can apply for Houston positions through the internal job portal. Houston is a popular transfer destination for engineers interested in human spaceflight.

What is the commute like to JSC?

JSC is located in the Clear Lake area, approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston. The commute from popular residential areas like League City is 15-20 minutes, while a downtown Houston commute takes 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. I-45 and the Gulf Freeway are the primary routes.

Is there career growth in Houston, or will I need to relocate?

There is solid career growth within the Orion program in Houston, particularly as the Artemis mission sequence continues through Artemis VIII. However, senior engineering leadership and program management positions may eventually require relocations to Denver (LM Space HQ), Bethesda (corporate), or other locations for broader experience.

How does Lockheed Martin Houston compare to working directly for NASA?

Lockheed Martin Houston employees work on the same programs as NASA civil servants but with different employment structures. Lockheed Martin typically offers higher base salaries, while NASA offers FERS pension, greater job security, and the prestige of direct government service. Many professionals move between the two employers throughout their careers.