Lockheed Martin SkillBridge in 2026: the Heroes program explained
The DoD SkillBridge program lets service members spend their final 180 days of active duty training with a civilian employer — while still collecting military pay and benefits. Lockheed Martin's version of this, called the Heroes Program, is one of the highest-profile SkillBridge partnerships in the defense industry. If you're a transitioning service member interested in aerospace and defense, here's exactly how it works, what the numbers look like, and how it compares to competitors like Northrop Grumman.
How Lockheed Martin SkillBridge works
The LM Heroes Program is a 3-6 month on-the-job fellowship for transitioning active-duty service members. Military spouses and caregivers get a separate 6-week track. During the fellowship, you train full-time at Lockheed Martin while the military continues paying your salary, BAH, and benefits.
Here's the key difference between Lockheed Martin's approach and most other SkillBridge programs: Lockheed doesn't post specific "SkillBridge" job listings. Any open position on lockheedmartinjobs.com can potentially become a SkillBridge placement. You browse the regular job board, identify roles that match your skills, and work with your assigned Military Relations Manager to pursue them.
This is more flexible than programs like Northrop Grumman's, where participants typically apply to pre-designated SkillBridge positions. At Lockheed Martin, the full catalog of open roles is theoretically available.
Eligibility requirements
- Within 180 days of discharge/release from active duty
- Served at least 180 continuous days on active duty
- U.S. citizenship required
- Unit commander approval (field grade O-4 or above)
- Completion of TAPS/TGPS recommended
Application process
- Complete the Lockheed Martin Heroes interest form online
- Submit your resume with credentials and security clearance information
- Get assigned a Military Relations Manager (typically a veteran from your service branch)
- Browse open roles at lockheedmartinjobs.com and share preferences
- Interview for specific positions through standard LM process
- Obtain written commander authorization (~30 days lead time)
If you're available to start within 120 days, begin applying to specific roles immediately. If your separation date is further out, contact the Heroes program anyway and record your preferred roles — your Military Relations Manager will keep you on their radar for upcoming openings.
Where you'll work: Lockheed Martin divisions
Lockheed Martin operates in four major business areas, all of which accept SkillBridge fellows:
Aeronautics — F-35 Lightning II, F-16, unmanned systems. Locations in Fort Worth TX, Marietta GA, Palmdale CA. Aircraft design, manufacturing engineering, flight test.
Missiles & Fire Control — THAAD, Javelin, JASSM, directed energy weapons. Locations in Orlando FL, Dallas TX, Troy AL. Systems engineering, program management.
Rotary & Mission Systems — Sikorsky helicopters, radar systems, ship combat systems. Locations in Stratford CT, Syracuse NY, Moorestown NJ. Software engineering, systems integration.
Space — GPS satellites, SBIRS missile warning, Orion spacecraft, military space systems. Locations in Denver CO, Sunnyvale CA, Huntsville AL. Aerospace engineering, mission operations.
The Space division is particularly relevant for readers of this site. Lockheed Martin Space builds GPS III satellites, missile warning satellites, and the Orion deep-space capsule for NASA's Artemis program. If you're a transitioning service member interested in the space industry specifically, the Denver and Sunnyvale facilities are the primary targets.
Success stories and conversion rates
The headline number: 85% of Heroes Program participants receive a job offer upon completion, with an average starting salary of $105,000. That's through the Hiring Our Heroes partnership data.
For comparison:
- Northrop Grumman reports a 95% full-time employment offer rate across 660+ participants since 2020
- DoD-wide average across all SkillBridge programs: 70% conversion to full-time employment
- New DoD requirement (2025): partners must demonstrate 75%+ probability of post-service qualifying employment
Lockheed Martin's 85% rate is solid but trails Northrop Grumman's published 95%. However, Lockheed Martin's average starting salary of $105,000 is one of the few specific salary figures any defense contractor publishes for their SkillBridge program.
Notable examples
Chris Cockrell (U.S. Marine Corps) completed Lockheed Martin's fellowship in 2016 as an individual contributor in procurement engineering. He earned his MBA while at LM, was promoted to Procurement Engineering Manager within 5 years, and nearly doubled his starting salary through advancement. He now supervises the team he originally joined and actively mentors transitioning service members.
Lockheed Martin vs. Northrop Grumman SkillBridge
Since these are the two most prominent defense SkillBridge programs, here's a direct comparison:
| Factor | Lockheed Martin Heroes | Northrop Grumman |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion rate | 85% | 95% |
| Avg starting salary | $105,000 | Not published |
| Duration | 3-6 months | Up to 180 days |
| Role selection | Any open role | Pre-designated positions |
| Veteran workforce | Not published | ~20% of total |
| Participants since launch | Not published | 660+ since 2020 |
| Mentorship | Military Relations Manager | Talent Network + structured mentoring |
Northrop Grumman's higher conversion rate matters if your top priority is guaranteed employment. Lockheed Martin's "any open role" flexibility matters if you have a specific position or division in mind. Both are excellent programs — the best choice depends on which company's work aligns with your career goals.
Tips for a strong SkillBridge application
Based on program data and success stories, here's what actually moves the needle:
1. Start early. Begin conversations with the Heroes program 6+ months before your separation date, even though you can't formally start until 180 days out. Getting your Military Relations Manager assigned early gives you time to identify the right roles.
2. Translate your military experience. Your resume needs civilian language. "Led team of 15 in austere conditions" becomes "Managed 15-person cross-functional team across distributed operations." Quantify everything: budget managed, team size, cost reductions, timeline improvements.
3. Security clearance is your leverage. If you hold an active TS/SCI, say so prominently. Clearance sponsorship costs defense contractors $5,000-$15,000 and takes months. You already have one — that's a significant competitive advantage.
4. Target growing divisions. Lockheed Martin's Space and Aeronautics divisions are in active growth modes. Space is building next-generation GPS and missile warning satellites. Aeronautics is delivering F-35s at increasing rates. Growing divisions have more open positions and more conversion opportunities.
5. Get commander approval early. The written authorization process takes about 30 days and depends on your unit's mission requirements. Starting this conversation before you've identified your specific SkillBridge opportunity avoids timeline crunches.
6. Use the fellowship to prove yourself. The 85% conversion rate means 15% don't get an offer. The difference is usually demonstrable impact during the fellowship. Volunteer for stretch assignments, deliver tangible work product, and build relationships across — not just within — your team.
Salary expectations after SkillBridge
The $105,000 average starting salary reflects roles across all four business areas. By division and role type, expect:
| Role Type | Typical Starting Range |
|---|---|
| Systems Engineer | $90K–$125K |
| Software Engineer | $95K–$130K |
| Program Manager | $100K–$140K |
| Supply Chain / Logistics | $75K–$105K |
| Cybersecurity | $100K–$135K |
| Technician | $55K–$80K |
These ranges increase substantially with security clearance premiums ($10K-$25K for TS/SCI across the defense industry) and location adjustments (California and DC-area roles pay 15-25% more than Alabama or Texas).
Lockheed Martin's benefits package includes 401(k) with company match, comprehensive healthcare, tuition reimbursement, and the 9/80 compressed schedule (every other Friday off) at most locations. For transitioning military members accustomed to Tricare and BAH, the total compensation transition is generally smooth.
Frequently asked questions
Can military spouses do SkillBridge at Lockheed Martin? Yes. The Heroes Program includes a separate 6-week track for military spouses and caregivers. It's shorter than the service member track but follows the same structure of on-the-job training and mentorship.
Does SkillBridge guarantee a job at Lockheed Martin? No. SkillBridge is training, not employment. However, the 85% offer rate means the strong majority of participants receive offers. The DoD now requires partners to demonstrate at least 75% employment probability.
Can I do SkillBridge while stationed overseas? Technically possible if Lockheed Martin has operations near your overseas duty station, but most Heroes placements are at domestic facilities. You'd need to coordinate a PCS or permissive TDY.
What if I'm more than 180 days from separation? Contact the Heroes program anyway. Your Military Relations Manager can begin matching you to potential roles and divisions so you're ready to apply when the 180-day window opens.
Start your application
Visit the Lockheed Martin Heroes page to submit the interest form and begin the process. For other defense aerospace employers, browse Northrop Grumman jobs (854 active roles) or Boeing positions (284 active roles) on Zero G Talent. See our Northrop Grumman salary guide for detailed pay comparison across defense contractors.
