Performance Excellence & CI Operations Engineer Sr. Staff - Level 5

Standard Job Description

Protecting what matters most is the mission that matters most.

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity. Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that''s built for you. Are you looking for a growth opportunity where you can contribute to a very important mission? Come and be part of our team in the dynamic world of Lockheed Martin Space.

We are seeking an experienced level 5 Operations Engineer to work at our Littleton, CO site. With a focus on productivity, you will lead Continuous Improvement efforts targeted toward streamlining existing processes, optimizing cycle times, reducing errors, and improving customer satisfaction as identified by the business strategy. You will also provide mentorship to many organizational projects/employees by sharing best practices and knowledge around continuous improvement tools and methodologies, project management and team leadership. It will be vital that you be able to quickly understand the business in order to recommend improved, strategic and sustainable solutions as well as identify further opportunities for improvement. In this role you will partner closely with senior leadership and the job requires high proficiency in clear communication, navigating political landscapes, change management, and the ability to effectively influence with limited authority. Experience in the Space defense contracting industry is highly encouraged.

This position will require an average of 10% or less travel.

Job Functions/Responsibilities:

• Embed within functional/program teams to assess, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities.
• Apply Cost Improvement tools such as Project Management, ROI, Cycle Time reduction, Standard Work, Visual Management, FMEA, and Control Charts to identify root causes.
• Define & track metrics, deliver quantified results including cost savings, future business cost measures, and schedule reductions.
• Prepare executive briefings and dashboards that translate technical findings into strategic business language.
• Facilitate key business improvement events at varying levels, strategic project reviews, and executive presentations.

Basic Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in process improvement, operations engineering, or consulting roles within a large, complex organization (defense, aerospace, manufacturing, or similar)

Due to programs being supported, U.S. citizenship is required

Desired Skills

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline (e.g. Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management)
• Master's degree in Engineering or Business

Fit:

• Extensive knowledge of Space and Defense business models, programs, and contracts
• Project management foundations: demonstrated ability to develop detailed implementation plans, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
• Technical acumen: familiarity with business tools (e.g., MS Project, Open Plan, SAP, Tableau)

Continuous Improvement:

• Experience with Agile, systems thinking, change management, or other data driven improvement methodologies with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt to apply Lean Six Sigma DMAIC skills and techniques with demonstrable project leadership and documented results (e.g., $MM savings, % reduction in lead time, process velocity)
• Proactive root cause focus: demonstrated initiative to investigate and resolve the underlying causes of process slowness or inefficiency.

Leadership:

• Ability to influence without direct authority; strong stakeholder management across diverse functional groups

Facilitation experience:

• Command and control of meeting rooms; adept at keeping teams focused, managing conflict, and driving consensus

Consulting Acumen:

• Proven track record of acting as a consultant - designing problem solving approaches, facilitating workshops, and delivering actionable recommendations to senior executives

Change leadership capability:

• Skilled at communicating vision, addressing resistance, and rallying cross-functional teams

Analytical Rigor:

• Strong quantitative skills; proficiency with statistical software (Minitab, JMP) and datavisualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)

Command Media implementation:

• Experience applying command media or customer/industry standards to projects, including requirements and compliance strategies

Communication:

• Ability to craft clear, concise narratives for both technical and non technical audiences; polished written and verbal presentation skills
• Customer requirements experience: direct exposure to analyzing customer SOWs, technical specifications, and regulatory constraints; skill at identifying scope creep drivers and negotiating realistic trade offs

Strategic Thinking:

• Understands how operational improvements tie to broader business objectives and defense acquisition cycles

Adaptability:

• Comfortable navigating ambiguous environments and shifting priorities; quick learner of new business domains

Collaboration:

• Team oriented mindset; builds strong relationships across engineering, program management, finance, and senior leadership

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $145100.00 - $269500.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate''s work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.