AI Systems Engineer Senior Staff
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Job Responsibilities
Description:What would it feel like to know your system architecture decisions directly shaped the outcome of the next mission?
At Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, we’re building AI that doesn’t just analyze - it decides, adapts, and acts alongside the warfighter. From onboard autonomy to predictive logistics and dynamic mission planning, our solutions are deployed at the edge—on aircraft that fly faster, think smarter, and protect farther than ever before.
But none of that matters if it isn’t engineered with rigor. That’s where you come in.
As an AI Systems Engineer, you won’t just work on AI, you’ll own the technical structure that makes AI mission-ready. You’ll design the connective tissue between fast-moving algorithms and slow-changing platforms. You’ll bring lifecycle discipline to environments that demand speed. And you'll be trusted to tailor structure, so rapid internal tools and long-horizon customer solutions can move fast, stay aligned, and never break under pressure.
What’s the risk of doing it wrong? A missed opportunity. A delayed capability. A mission that never launches.
What’s the reward when you get it right? A legacy that flies.
If that kind of responsibility excites you, you’re likely exactly who we’re looking for.
You will be responsible for:
• Owning the systems engineering integration plan for AI across internal tools, ground systems, and on-platform capabilities
• Defining and tailoring systems engineering artifacts (e.g., requirements, risk/opportunity plans, interface documents) based on the project’s size, scope, and velocity
• Ensuring requirements are defined, traceable, and testable - even in fast-moving prototyping efforts
• Leading stakeholder engagement planning, ensuring customer and internal alignment across system lifecycles
• Authoring and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and architecture diagrams to ensure AI solutions interoperate effectively with adjacent systems
• Applying AI, Technology and Integration Readiness Level (AIRL/TRL/IRL) frameworks to ensure technology maturity, integration feasibility, and transition-readiness
• Driving integration and verification planning, including simulation, test environments, and success criteria at both component and system levels
• Establishing reusable Systems Engineering (SE) templates and artifacts, enabling teams to move fast without compromising structure
• Collaborating across software, cyber, test, and mission stakeholders to align system dependencies and validate integration points
• Supporting both rapid sprint-scale efforts and long-horizon development, flexing SE depth as appropriate
• Mentoring engineers and program leads on what "good" systems engineering looks like in an AI context
• Representing SE discipline in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and roadmap development
• Serving as the engineering conscience for integration, lifecycle readiness, and architectural discipline across all AI projects
What’s In It For You:
We offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM discipline is required.
• Proven experience in systems engineering, especially in cross-domain or AI/ML projects
• Expertise in requirements definition, architecture alignment, integration planning, and interface control
• Demonstrated ability to scale systems engineering rigor to match project scope and velocity
• Experience in authoring and managing ICDs, architecture diagrams, and configuration control artifacts
• Ability to create SE templates and standardized frameworks that accelerate execution
• Strong communication and collaboration across cyber, test, software, and customer-facing teams
Desired Skills:
• Master’s degree or relevant experience in AI-enabled systems, platform integration, or architecture development is preferred.
• Familiarity with AIRL, TRL, and IRL frameworks and their application to AI maturity
• Familiarity with MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) tools like Cameo or Enterprise Architect
• Experience with AI/ML lifecycle deployment (MLOps, data readiness, model evaluation)
• Understanding of AI risks, explainability, and validation frameworks
• Exposure to software development and DevSecOps pipelines
• Systems engineering certifications (e.g., INCOSE CSEP)
• Cloud-based system integration experience
• Prior experience tailoring SE rigor for both internal R&D and customer-facing systems
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Artificial Intelligence
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First
About
At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.
Mission-Focused Innovation: From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can solve the world's most complex challenges for our customers.
Foundational Values: Our culture of performance excellence, ethics, teamwork and inclusion is embedded in everything we do.
Diverse Career Opportunities with Meaningful Work: Grow your career and skills for life. Our technology-driven learning platforms and programs enable your development and agility.
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life: Our flexible schedules, competitive pay and comprehensive benefits enable you to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work.
Empowered to Be Your Best: Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities and our planet.
Commitment to Sustainability: We foster innovation, integrity and security to preserve the environment, strengthen diverse communities and propel growth.
Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer:
- Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
- Levels: Student, Entry, Mid, Senior, Management
- Locations: Nationwide & OCONUS Positions
Qualifications
See what it takes to be a successful Lockheed Martin employee.
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Collaborative
There is no innovation without imagination. You bring new, different and exciting ideas to the table every day. You are committed to the success of your team.
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Curious
The ability to explore and drive new ideas. You think innovatively to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.
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Goal-oriented
From planning and organizing to decision making, goal orientation produces impactful results. You set goals and strive to make things happen quickly and efficiently.
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Proactive
The ability to anticipate, plan and prepare for what lies ahead. You act rather than react to potential situations.
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Problem Solver
You work to tackle tough problems with complex solutions.
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Strategic
You observe, reflect and analyze processes to make more informed decisions.
Quote
“Before I came to Lockheed Martin, I never thought I’d get these opportunities. The benefits available and the company’s value culture make it an incredibly supportive place to work, and I’m grateful to work somewhere that wants me to succeed. I hope to have a long career here making an impact, and I know I’ll be supported in doing that every step of the way.”
Ryan J., Enterprise Operations
Benefits
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Healthcare
Medical, Dental and Vision coverage is available for employees who opt-in.
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401(k)/Retirement Plans
Our 401(k) plan features generous matching and company contributions.
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Professional Development
We support our employees through mentoring, internal & external educational programs, networking, skills enhancement and career-building programs.
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Maternity and Paternity Leave
Our generous parental leave policies support your journey into parenthood. When you return to work, our facilities offer mother's rooms to support your transition and work/life balance.
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Paid Time Off
We offer PTO, paid holidays and paid time off for jury duty and military obligations.
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Flex-time
Depending on the position, we offer flexible work schedules.
Together, Let's Change The World For The Better.
From green energy to aerospace, there are so many ways you can make a difference with us.
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Fort Worth — Texas
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