Lockheed Martin material handler in 2026
Material handlers at Lockheed Martin keep the largest defense contractor in the world running. Every satellite, fighter jet, and missile system requires thousands of components to arrive at the right place, at the right time, in the right condition. Material handlers are the people who make that happen. This is a hands-on logistics role that does not require an engineering degree but offers real career growth into supply chain management and operations leadership.
Here is everything you need to know about the material handler position at Lockheed Martin in 2026 — pay, daily work, shifts, benefits, and where the career can take you.
What does a material handler at Lockheed Martin do?
Material handlers at Lockheed Martin manage the movement, storage, and tracking of parts and materials across manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and production lines. The role is physical and detail-oriented. A typical day involves:
- Receiving inbound shipments and verifying contents against purchase orders
- Inspecting parts for damage and flagging discrepancies
- Logging materials into the inventory management system (SAP or proprietary tools)
- Storing components in designated warehouse locations using forklifts, pallet jacks, and overhead cranes
- Picking and kitting parts for production orders — assembling all components needed for a specific build stage
- Delivering materials to production lines on schedule
- Maintaining accurate inventory records and supporting cycle counts
- Handling hazardous materials per OSHA and company protocols
- Managing returns, surplus, and scrap material disposition
The work environment varies by site. In Palmdale, material handlers support F-35 production lines and Skunk Works programs, meaning some areas require security clearances even for logistics roles. In Sunnyvale, handlers work in satellite clean rooms where contamination control is critical. Fort Worth is the largest F-35 final assembly site, with a massive logistics operation moving millions of parts per year.
At Space division facilities in Sunnyvale and Denver, material handlers working in satellite integration areas must follow clean room protocols — gowning up, limiting particulate contamination, and handling flight hardware with extreme care. These specialized positions often pay at the higher end of the material handler range and provide training in contamination control that is valued across the aerospace industry.
Salary breakdown
Material handler pay at Lockheed Martin varies by location, experience, and shift. Here is the 2026 salary data from multiple sources:
| Metric | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $49,753 | Glassdoor |
| 25th percentile | $42,773 | Glassdoor |
| 75th percentile | $58,195 | Glassdoor |
| 90th percentile | $66,972 | Glassdoor |
| Average hourly rate | $27.84 | Indeed |
| PayScale average | $24/hr | PayScale |
The $27.84/hour average reported by Indeed for Lockheed Martin material handlers is 58% above the national average for the same role. This premium reflects the security requirements, specialized handling procedures, and quality standards unique to defense manufacturing.
Pay by experience level
| Experience | Estimated Annual Pay | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-1 years) | $38,000-$43,000 | $18-$21 |
| Early career (1-3 years) | $43,000-$50,000 | $21-$24 |
| Mid-career (3-7 years) | $50,000-$58,000 | $24-$28 |
| Senior (7+ years) | $58,000-$67,000 | $28-$32 |
Pay by location
Location matters. Material handlers at the Fort Worth F-35 production facility earn less than those at the Sunnyvale Space division campus due to cost-of-living differences.
| Location | Average Annual Pay | Key Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale, CA | $55,000-$65,000 | Satellites, space payloads |
| Palmdale, CA | $48,000-$58,000 | F-35, Skunk Works |
| Fort Worth, TX | $42,000-$52,000 | F-35 final assembly |
| Marietta, GA | $40,000-$50,000 | C-130J, F-35 wings |
| Denver, CO | $46,000-$56,000 | Space vehicles, Orion |
Shifts and overtime
Material handlers at Lockheed Martin typically work one of three shifts:
- First shift: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM (most common, highest competition for these spots)
- Second shift: 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM (shift differential of $1-$2/hour extra)
- Third shift: 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM (shift differential of $2-$3/hour extra)
According to PayScale data, 71% of Lockheed Martin material handlers report receiving overtime pay. During production ramp-ups — such as F-35 lot deliveries or satellite integration campaigns — mandatory overtime of 5-10 hours per week is common. Overtime is paid at 1.5x your base hourly rate, which can add $5,000-$12,000 to annual earnings.
The sweet spot for material handler pay at Lockheed Martin is second shift at a California location with regular overtime. A mid-career handler on second shift in Sunnyvale with 5-8 hours of overtime per week can clear $70,000-$75,000 annually — well above the national median for the role.
Requirements
Material handler positions at Lockheed Martin typically require:
- Education: High school diploma or GED. Some senior material handler positions prefer an associate degree in logistics, supply chain, or a related field, but it is not mandatory.
- Experience: 1-3 years of warehouse, logistics, or inventory management experience for most postings. Entry-level positions exist but are less common.
- Physical requirements: Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly, stand for extended periods, and operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
- Certifications: Forklift certification is required or will be provided during onboarding. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certifications are a plus.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required for nearly all Lockheed Martin positions. Many material handler roles require or prefer an active Secret security clearance.
- Technical skills: Proficiency with inventory management systems (SAP, Oracle), barcode scanning equipment, and basic computer skills.
Benefits package
Lockheed Martin's benefits for hourly employees are among the best in manufacturing:
- Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision with multiple plan options. Company covers a significant portion of premiums.
- 401(k) match: Up to 6% employer match with immediate vesting.
- Pension: Lockheed Martin still offers a defined benefit pension — increasingly rare in the private sector. Vesting begins after 3 years.
- Paid time off: Starting at 2 weeks vacation plus 10 paid holidays. Increases with tenure.
- Tuition reimbursement: Up to $10,000 per year for degree programs, which is particularly valuable for material handlers looking to earn supply chain or logistics certifications.
- Life insurance and disability: Company-provided at no cost, with options to purchase additional coverage.
- Employee stock purchase plan: Buy Lockheed Martin stock at a 15% discount.
When you factor in the full benefits package — particularly the pension and 401(k) match — the total compensation for a mid-career material handler is roughly 25-30% above the base salary figure.
Career progression
Material handler is a launching pad, not a dead end. Here is the typical career path at Lockheed Martin:
Material Handler I (0-2 years) — Entry-level receiving, stocking, and delivery tasks. Learning inventory systems and facility-specific procedures. $38K-$45K.
Material Handler II (2-4 years) — Handling specialized materials, hazardous goods, or clean room inventory. May train new hires. $45K-$52K.
Material Handler III / Senior (4-7 years) — Team lead responsibilities. Coordinates material flow for specific production lines. Manages cycle counts and inventory accuracy metrics. $52K-$60K.
Supply Chain Analyst (5-8 years) — Transition from physical handling to planning and analytics. Requires some college coursework (Lockheed's tuition reimbursement helps here). Forecasts demand, manages supplier relationships, and optimizes inventory levels. $60K-$80K.
Supply Chain Manager (8-12 years) — Manages a team of material handlers and analysts. Responsible for material availability across a program or facility. $85K-$110K.
Director of Supply Chain (12+ years) — Senior leadership overseeing supply chain for an entire business area or site. $130K-$170K.
The transition from material handler to supply chain analyst is the critical career jump. Lockheed Martin actively promotes from within for these roles, and employees who use the tuition reimbursement benefit to earn a bachelor's or associate degree in supply chain management are strongly favored.
How to get hired
The application process for material handler positions is straightforward:
- Apply online through lockheedmartinjobs.com. Search for "material handler" and filter by your preferred location.
- Phone screen with a recruiter covering basic qualifications, shift availability, and salary expectations.
- In-person interview at the facility — typically with a warehouse supervisor and an HR representative. Expect questions about inventory management experience, safety practices, and teamwork.
- Background check and drug screen — standard for all Lockheed Martin positions.
- Security clearance initiation — if the role requires a clearance, this process begins after you accept the offer and can take several months.
The hiring timeline from application to start date is typically 3-6 weeks for non-clearance positions and 2-4 months if a security clearance investigation is required.
Emphasize forklift certification, SAP or Oracle experience, and any aerospace or defense industry background. If you have military logistics experience (MOS 92A Automated Logistical Specialist or similar), highlight it prominently — Lockheed Martin actively recruits veterans and values military supply chain training.
Material handler vs. similar roles at Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has several related logistics and warehouse positions. Here is how they compare:
| Role | Salary Range | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Material Handler | $38K-$58K | Physical movement and storage of materials |
| Stockroom Clerk | $35K-$48K | Inventory record-keeping, less physical |
| Shipping/Receiving Clerk | $36K-$50K | Inbound/outbound logistics focus |
| Warehouse Specialist | $40K-$55K | Broader warehouse operations scope |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $60K-$80K | Planning and analytics, degree preferred |
| Materials Engineer | $87K-$150K | Engineering degree required, different field entirely |
Note that "materials engineer" is a completely different role — it is an engineering position focused on material science (composites, metals, coatings) and requires a bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering. The salary difference reflects this distinction.
Is it worth it?
For someone without a four-year degree who wants to break into the aerospace and defense industry, material handler at Lockheed Martin is one of the best entry points available. The pay is 58% above the national average for the role, the benefits package (especially the pension) is exceptional, and the career pathway to supply chain management offers real salary growth without requiring a degree upfront.
The downsides are real: the work is physical, shift work can strain personal schedules, and mandatory overtime during production surges can be demanding. The security clearance process adds complexity. And the salary ceiling for material handling itself tops out around $67K — you need to transition into analyst or management roles to break into higher pay bands.
For career opportunities at Lockheed Martin, explore current openings on our Lockheed Martin careers page. If you are interested in other entry-level paths, see our guides on Lockheed Martin entry-level careers and Lockheed Martin starting pay.
FAQ
What is the starting pay for a material handler at Lockheed Martin?
Entry-level material handlers at Lockheed Martin start between $18-$21 per hour ($38,000-$43,000 annually), depending on location and prior experience. This increases to $21-$24/hour after 1-3 years. The national average for material handlers at Lockheed Martin is $27.84/hour, which is 58% above the national average for the role.
Do material handlers at Lockheed Martin need a security clearance?
Many material handler positions require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance, particularly at facilities working on classified programs like the F-35 or Skunk Works. Lockheed Martin will sponsor the clearance investigation, but having prior clearance from military service is an advantage.
What shifts do material handlers work at Lockheed Martin?
Lockheed Martin operates three shifts for material handling: first shift (6:00 AM-2:30 PM), second shift (2:00 PM-10:30 PM), and third shift (10:00 PM-6:30 AM). Second and third shifts receive differential pay of $1-$3/hour above base rate. Shift preference is typically based on seniority.
Can material handlers advance to salaried positions at Lockheed Martin?
Yes. The most common advancement path is from Material Handler to Supply Chain Analyst, which is a salaried position earning $60K-$80K. Lockheed Martin offers $10,000/year in tuition reimbursement, and employees who earn supply chain or logistics degrees while working are regularly promoted into analyst and management roles.
How does Lockheed Martin material handler pay compare to other defense contractors?
Lockheed Martin pays material handlers at the high end of the defense industry. Comparable roles at Northrop Grumman pay $40K-$53K, Boeing pays $38K-$52K, and RTX (Raytheon) pays $37K-$50K. Lockheed's premium reflects the security requirements and specialized handling protocols in their facilities.
