Material Handler Lockheed Martin in 2026
Every spacecraft, missile, and fighter jet Lockheed Martin builds depends on thousands of parts arriving at the right workstation at the right time, and the material handlers who manage that flow are the invisible backbone of a production system where a single missing fastener can halt a multi-billion-dollar program.
What Material Handlers Do at Lockheed Martin
Material handlers at Lockheed Martin are responsible for the receipt, storage, distribution, and tracking of parts, materials, and assemblies throughout the company's manufacturing facilities. This is not general warehouse work. Aerospace material handling requires strict adherence to traceability protocols, contamination control procedures, and chain-of-custody documentation that distinguishes it from commercial logistics.
A typical day might involve receiving incoming shipments from suppliers, inspecting packaging for damage, verifying quantities against purchase orders, entering receipt data into the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, storing items in designated locations within the warehouse or stockroom, and pulling kits of parts for delivery to the production floor based on manufacturing work orders.
Material handlers interact with nearly every function in the facility. They coordinate with procurement when shipments are late or incorrect, with quality assurance when items fail incoming inspection, with manufacturing engineers when parts need special handling, and with program managers when material availability affects production schedules.
The pace and complexity of the work vary by facility and program. At high-rate production sites like the F-35 line in Fort Worth, material handlers process hundreds of transactions per shift across thousands of unique part numbers. At lower-rate space manufacturing facilities, the volume is smaller but the handling requirements are more stringent, with cleanroom protocols and electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions for sensitive electronic components.
Requirements and Qualifications
Material handler positions at Lockheed Martin have relatively accessible entry requirements compared to engineering roles, making them a viable entry point into the aerospace industry for candidates without four-year degrees.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or GED (minimum) |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizenship required for most positions |
| Physical | Ability to lift 40-50 lbs repeatedly, stand for full shifts |
| License | Valid driver's license; forklift certification preferred |
| Background | Must pass background investigation; many positions require clearance eligibility |
| Experience | 1-3 years warehouse/logistics experience preferred (not always required) |
Preferred qualifications that strengthen an application include prior experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, forklift certification (sit-down and/or stand-up), familiarity with barcode scanning and inventory management technology, and experience working in a manufacturing or defense environment.
Candidates with military logistics experience (MOS codes like 92A - Automated Logistical Specialist, 92Y - Unit Supply Specialist, or equivalent Navy/Air Force/Marine ratings) are particularly competitive. Military training in supply chain management, property accountability, and hazardous material handling maps directly to the requirements of these positions.
Salary and Compensation Details
Material handler compensation at Lockheed Martin varies by location, experience level, shift assignment, and the specific business area. The following table provides estimated salary ranges based on industry data and publicly available figures.
| Level | Experience | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Handler I | 0-2 years | $38,000 - $46,000 | $18 - $22 |
| Material Handler II | 2-5 years | $46,000 - $55,000 | $22 - $26 |
| Material Handler III / Lead | 5-10 years | $55,000 - $65,000 | $26 - $31 |
| Warehouse Supervisor | 8+ years | $62,000 - $78,000 | Salaried |
Shift differentials add meaningful income for those willing to work non-standard hours. Second shift (afternoon/evening) typically adds $1.50-$2.50 per hour, and third shift (overnight) can add $2.00-$3.50 per hour. Over a full year, these differentials add $3,000-$7,000 to annual earnings.
Overtime opportunities are common during production surges and are compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. Some facilities also offer weekend premium pay.
Beyond base pay, Lockheed Martin provides a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees, including material handlers. This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; pension benefits; paid vacation starting at three weeks; paid holidays; tuition reimbursement; and employee stock purchase plan participation.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical, dental, vision with multiple plan options |
| Retirement | 401(k) match + pension benefit |
| PTO | 3 weeks vacation + 10+ paid holidays |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Up to $10,000/year for approved programs |
| Life Insurance | Company-provided + supplemental options |
| Employee Assistance | Counseling, financial planning, legal services |
Locations with Active Material Handler Openings
Lockheed Martin's manufacturing footprint spans the country, and material handler positions exist at virtually every production facility. However, the largest concentrations of these roles are at the company's primary manufacturing sites.
Fort Worth, Texas employs the most material handlers in the company, supporting F-35 Lightning II production. The Mile-long building and surrounding facilities process an enormous volume of parts daily. This site offers the most material handler openings and the clearest advancement pathways due to its scale.
Marietta, Georgia supports C-130J, F-35, and special programs manufacturing. Material handlers here work across multiple product lines, providing exposure to different program requirements.
Littleton, Colorado material handlers in the Space business area work with satellite components and spacecraft assemblies. Handling requirements are more stringent due to cleanliness and ESD protocols, but the work environment is generally more controlled.
Camden, Arkansas supports missile production and requires material handlers to follow explosive safety protocols for certain materials. The cost of living in the Camden area is significantly lower than urban sites.
Orlando, Florida and Grand Prairie, Texas support Missiles and Fire Control programs with specialized material handling requirements.
A Day in the Life
Understanding the daily rhythm of a material handler at Lockheed Martin helps set realistic expectations. The work is physical, structured, and requires attention to detail.
A first-shift material handler typically starts between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. The shift begins with a brief team meeting where supervisors communicate priorities, highlight any urgent material needs from the production floor, and address any issues from the previous shift.
The morning is often dedicated to processing incoming shipments. Trucks arrive at the receiving dock, and material handlers unload pallets, verify contents against packing slips and purchase orders, perform visual inspections for shipping damage, and enter receipt transactions into the SAP system. Items that pass receiving inspection are assigned storage locations and moved into the warehouse using forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand carts.
Midday work typically shifts to picking and kitting operations. Manufacturing work orders generate material requisitions that specify which parts need to be pulled from stock and delivered to specific workstations. Material handlers pick these items from warehouse locations, verify quantities and part numbers, assemble kits in designated containers, and deliver them to the production floor.
Afternoon activities may include cycle counting (periodic inventory verification), organizing storage areas, processing returns from the production floor, packaging items for shipment to other facilities or back to suppliers, and responding to expedited requests when a production line is waiting for a critical part.
Career Advancement Paths
Material handler is often an entry point rather than a final destination at Lockheed Martin. The company's size, internal job posting system, and tuition reimbursement program create multiple advancement pathways.
The logistics advancement track leads from Material Handler I through Handler II, Handler III/Lead, and into Warehouse Supervisor or Logistics Manager roles. This path rewards reliability, organizational skills, and increasing ability to manage people and processes. Warehouse supervisors at Lockheed Martin can earn $62,000-$78,000 or more.
The supply chain professional track involves leveraging material handling experience to move into procurement, planning, or subcontract management roles. These positions typically require additional education (associate or bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or a related field) which can be partially funded through Lockheed Martin's tuition reimbursement program.
The production floor transition moves material handlers into manufacturing technician, quality inspector, or tool crib attendant roles. If you develop an aptitude for hands-on assembly work, your familiarity with parts, processes, and the facility makes you a strong internal candidate for production positions.
The trade skill development path involves pursuing certifications in areas like forklift operation (multiple types), hazardous materials handling, or specialized packaging and shipping. Each additional certification increases your value and can lead to specialized handler positions with higher pay.
How to Apply
Lockheed Martin posts material handler positions on its corporate careers portal. Search for "material handler," "warehouse associate," "stockroom clerk," or "logistics specialist" and filter by your preferred location. Positions may appear under the "Hourly/Non-Exempt" or "Manufacturing" job families.
Your resume should emphasize quantifiable experience: the number of transactions processed per shift, the size of inventory managed, accuracy rates, and any experience with ERP systems. If you have military logistics experience, translate your MOS responsibilities into civilian terminology while noting your military service.
The interview process is typically shorter than for engineering roles, often consisting of a single interview with the warehouse supervisor or materials manager. Questions focus on reliability, attention to detail, ability to work in a team, and physical capability. Some sites may include a practical assessment of forklift operation or basic computer proficiency.
Search for material handling, logistics, and warehouse roles at aerospace companies on Zero G Talent or explore Lockheed Martin career opportunities.
FAQ
Do I need a college degree to be a material handler at Lockheed Martin?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement. Relevant experience in warehouse operations, logistics, or military supply chain can substitute for or supplement formal education.
Is forklift certification required before applying?
Forklift certification is preferred but not always required. Many facilities will train and certify new hires on the specific forklift types used at that site. Having prior certification demonstrates readiness and may give you a hiring advantage.
What is the physical demand level of the job?
The work requires standing for full 8-10 hour shifts, frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, and operation of material handling equipment. You should be comfortable with a physically active work environment and able to pass any required physical assessments.
Can I advance into engineering or management from a material handler role?
Yes, internal mobility is supported. Many Lockheed Martin managers and technical professionals began in hourly production or logistics roles. The tuition reimbursement program (up to $10,000 per year) supports employees pursuing degrees that open doors to higher-level positions.
How long does the hiring process typically take?
For material handler positions, the process from application to offer is typically two to four weeks, shorter than engineering roles. Security clearance processing (if required for your specific position) may add additional time before your start date.
