Lockheed Martin Littleton CO address in 2026: Space division HQ, programs, and careers
Littleton, Colorado is where Lockheed Martin builds satellites, spacecraft, and missile defense systems. The Lockheed Martin Space division headquarters sits at 12257 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Littleton, CO 80125, in the foothills southwest of Denver. This sprawling campus, often referred to as the Waterton Canyon facility, is the center of gravity for some of the most consequential space and defense programs in the United States, from GPS satellites to the Orion crew capsule that will carry astronauts back to the Moon.
In 2026, with the Space division employing approximately 20,000 people and Lockheed Martin projecting 5 percent company-wide revenue growth, Littleton remains one of the top destinations for space careers in the country. Here is everything you need to know about the facility, the programs, the roles, and what it is like to live and work in the Denver metro area.
Lockheed Martin Space addresses in Littleton
Lockheed Martin operates from multiple buildings and campuses in the Littleton area. The key addresses include:
| Address | Function |
|---|---|
| 12257 S Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80125 | Space division headquarters, main campus |
| 8000 Southpark Way, Building 2, Littleton, CO 80120 | Missiles and Fire Control operations |
| Waterton Canyon campus complex | Satellite assembly, test facilities, clean rooms |
| Small Satellite Processing Center | Rapid small satellite development |
The main campus at Wadsworth Boulevard is the largest, housing the Space division leadership, engineering offices, satellite assembly facilities, and test chambers. The GPS III Processing Facility is located within this complex, built inside a former rocket assembly building with nearly 50,000 square feet of assembly and test areas.
Major programs at the Littleton campus
The Littleton facility supports several of Lockheed Martin's most significant space and defense programs:
GPS III and GPS IIIF
The Global Positioning System III satellites represent the next generation of GPS technology, providing three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities over previous GPS satellites. Lockheed Martin assembles and tests GPS III satellites at the dedicated processing facility in Littleton. The GPS IIIF (Follow-on) program extends the constellation with additional capabilities.
Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle
The Orion spacecraft is NASA's vehicle for deep space exploration, built for missions to the Moon under the Artemis program and eventually to Mars. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for Orion, and significant engineering, integration, and program management work happens at Littleton.
SBIRS and Next-Gen OPIR
The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) provides missile warning through geosynchronous and highly elliptical orbit satellites. Lockheed Martin built the SBIRS GEO satellites, including GEO-5 and GEO-6, at Littleton. The follow-on Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program continues this work with more capable satellites.
Fleet Ballistic Missile support
While the main FBM program operates out of other locations, Littleton contributes systems engineering and technical support to the Trident missile program.
Small satellite development
Lockheed Martin's Small Satellite Processing and Delivery Center, opened in the Littleton foothills, focuses on rapid development and deployment of small satellites. This facility reflects the industry shift toward smaller, more numerous satellite constellations.
Roles and salary expectations
The Littleton campus hires across a wide range of disciplines. Space division roles tend to pay well due to the technical complexity of the programs and the competitive Denver job market:
| Role Category | Typical Positions | Salary Range | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | Orbital mechanics, GN&C, thermal | $90K–$165K | Strong |
| Systems Engineering | Requirements, architecture, I&T | $95K–$180K | Strong |
| Software Engineering | Flight software, ground systems, C2 | $95K–$175K | Very strong |
| Mechanical Engineering | Structural, mechanisms, thermal | $85K–$160K | Steady |
| Electrical Engineering | Power systems, RF, avionics | $88K–$165K | Steady |
| Program Management | PM, project engineering, schedule | $100K–$175K | Strong |
| Manufacturing Engineering | Process engineering, quality | $80K–$130K | Steady |
| Technician / Assembler | Satellite assembly, test, integration | $55K–$95K | Steady |
Salary by level at Littleton:
| Level | Title | Base Salary | Total Comp (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Associate Engineer | $70K–$85K | $76K–$95K |
| Level 2 | Engineer | $82K–$105K | $90K–$118K |
| Level 3 | Senior Engineer | $100K–$140K | $112K–$160K |
| Level 4 | Staff Engineer | $125K–$170K | $142K–$198K |
| Level 5 | Senior Staff Engineer | $150K–$200K | $172K–$235K |
| Level 6 | Principal / Fellow | $180K–$250K | $210K–$295K |
Colorado salaries at Lockheed Martin trend above the national average for the company, driven by the competitive Denver tech market where employers like Ball Aerospace, United Launch Alliance, and multiple tech companies compete for similar talent.
The Denver area aerospace ecosystem
Littleton is part of a larger aerospace corridor that stretches across the Denver metropolitan area. Understanding this ecosystem helps contextualize a career at Lockheed Martin Space:
| Company | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin Space | Littleton | Satellites, spacecraft, missile defense |
| United Launch Alliance | Centennial | Launch vehicles (Atlas, Vulcan) |
| Ball Aerospace | Boulder/Broomfield | Earth observation, space instruments |
| Maxar/Vantor/Lanteris | Westminster | Earth imaging, satellite manufacturing |
| Sierra Space | Louisville | Dream Chaser spaceplane |
| Boom Supersonic | Centennial | Supersonic aircraft |
| Northrop Grumman | Aurora/Colorado Springs | Space systems, launch |
| Raytheon (RTX) | Aurora | Intelligence, defense electronics |
Denver's aerospace concentration means that Lockheed Martin employees have strong external mobility options. Engineers who build experience on programs like GPS III or Orion carry skills that transfer directly to competitor programs.
Living in the Littleton and Denver area
Cost of living: Denver's cost of living index sits around 115 to 120, meaning 15 to 20 percent above the national average. Housing is the main driver. The median home price in Littleton is approximately $550,000 to $600,000. Renting a two-bedroom apartment in the area costs $1,600 to $2,200 per month.
Commute: The Waterton Canyon campus is accessible from C-470, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Santa Fe Drive. Employees typically commute from Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Ken Caryl, Lakewood, or central Denver. Commute times from south Denver suburbs are 15 to 25 minutes; from central Denver, 30 to 45 minutes.
Lifestyle: The Denver metro area offers an outdoor-focused lifestyle with access to Rocky Mountain National Park, world-class skiing within 90 minutes, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. Littleton itself is a walkable historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and the Platte River Trail. The cultural offerings of Denver, including sports, music, and dining, are 15 to 20 minutes north.
Aerospace salary versus cost of living: A Level 3 engineer earning $120,000 at Lockheed Martin Littleton can comfortably afford a mortgage, save for retirement, and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle. The equation becomes tighter at Level 1 and Level 2, where pairing with a dual-income household is common for home purchases.
How to get hired at Littleton
The Littleton campus recruits through the standard Lockheed Martin careers portal. Key tips for the Space division:
- Emphasize space program experience: If you have worked on satellite programs, launch vehicles, or NASA missions, highlight this prominently
- Clearance matters: Many Space division programs require Secret or Top Secret clearance. Having an active clearance gives you a significant advantage
- Colorado residency: Hybrid and on-site roles require Colorado residency or willingness to relocate. Lockheed Martin sometimes offers relocation assistance for experienced hires
- University partnerships: Lockheed Martin Space recruits heavily from CU-Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, and other Colorado universities. About 35 percent of Lockheed Martin's 56,000 engineers could retire in the next few years, creating steady demand for new hires
The interview process typically involves a recruiter phone screen, followed by one to two rounds of technical and behavioral interviews with the hiring team. The STAR method is standard for behavioral questions.
Bottom line
Lockheed Martin's Littleton campus is the headquarters of one of the most important space divisions in the industry. The facility at 12257 South Wadsworth Boulevard houses the assembly and testing of GPS satellites, contributes to the Orion spacecraft program, and supports next-generation missile warning systems. With approximately 20,000 Space division employees and a competitive Denver aerospace ecosystem, Littleton offers a strong combination of meaningful work, competitive pay, and desirable quality of life.
Browse current Space division openings on Zero G Talent, or read more about Lockheed Martin salaries, project management careers, and the Skunk Works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the address for Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, CO?
The main Lockheed Martin Space headquarters is at 12257 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Littleton, CO 80125. Additional facilities are located at 8000 Southpark Way and throughout the Waterton Canyon campus complex.
What does Lockheed Martin build in Littleton?
The Littleton campus builds GPS III satellites, supports the Orion crew spacecraft for NASA's Artemis program, produces SBIRS and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning satellites, and develops small satellites. It is the headquarters for Lockheed Martin's entire Space business area.
How many people work at Lockheed Martin Littleton?
The Lockheed Martin Space division employs approximately 20,000 people total, with a significant concentration at the Littleton headquarters. The exact on-site headcount varies but represents several thousand employees across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.
What is the average salary at Lockheed Martin Littleton?
Engineering salaries at Littleton range from approximately $70,000 for entry-level engineers to $250,000 or more for principal-level engineers. The median engineer salary is approximately $125,000 to $145,000 including base salary and annual bonus. Colorado's salary transparency law means exact ranges are posted with each job listing.
How far is Lockheed Martin Littleton from Denver?
The Waterton Canyon campus is approximately 15 to 20 miles south-southwest of downtown Denver. The commute from central Denver takes 30 to 45 minutes via C-470 or Santa Fe Drive. From nearby suburbs like Highlands Ranch or Ken Caryl, the commute is 10 to 20 minutes.
