Lockheed Martin Employees Reviews, Feedback, Testimonials

Employee Testimonials

"I joined right out of college and you will learn a ton here — the technical depth is real." "You will be part of projects that matter, but you will also be part of a big machine." Those are typical comments you will hear from employees. Many will say the mentorship from senior engineers and program leads is excellent, and that you will get hands-on experience with advanced systems. At the same time, some will tell you that processes can feel slow and that internal politics sometimes get in the way. Overall, people consistently praise the meaningful work and stability, though they warn about occasional bureaucracy.

Company Culture

The company culture at Lockheed Martin blends mission-driven focus with military-like discipline. You will find colleagues who are deeply committed to technical excellence and national security. Teamwork matters, and cross-discipline collaboration is common. There is also an emphasis on compliance and safety — that comes with the territory. While innovation is encouraged, you will notice formal approval paths and risk management baked into day-to-day life. In short, if you value purpose and technical rigor, you will fit in; if you prefer a startup vibe, it may feel structured.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance at Lockheed Martin varies a lot by role and program. In corporate and some engineering roles you’ll often have predictable schedules and the option for flexible hours. On tight programs or during integration and test phases, you’ll see longer days and weekend work. Managers generally try to respect personal time, but mission deadlines can make balance challenging. If you prioritize predictable hours, look for roles that are not on direct program delivery teams.

Job Security

Job security is one of the strengths of working at a major defense contractor. Long-term government contracts provide a solid revenue base, which reduces the frequency of sudden company-wide layoffs. However, job stability is not absolute: contracts change, budgets shift, and programs are sometimes cut or delayed. Employees will often find security tied to the health of specific programs and their skillsets. Those with in-demand technical skills will typically see higher job resilience.

Leadership and Management

Leadership tends to be experienced and risk-aware. Senior leaders communicate a strong focus on ethics, safety, and adherence to regulations. Decision-making can be hierarchical and formal, which helps in regulated environments but can slow down innovation. Managers are usually competent and technically literate, but their effectiveness varies by team. There is a clear chain of command, and that clarity helps on complex projects.

Manager Reviews

Manager reviews are mixed but largely positive. Many employees appreciate managers who advocate for resources and career growth. Common praise includes mentorship, clear expectations, and support during project crunches. Criticisms focus on inconsistent communication and occasional micromanagement in some groups. If you find a manager who trusts and mentors you, you will likely thrive; if not, it can feel limiting.

Learning & Development

Learning and development are strong points. The company offers formal training programs, internal courses, and generous tuition assistance for continued education. Technical certification opportunities and leadership development tracks are available, and on-the-job learning is substantial given the complexity of projects. You will have many chances to upskill, especially if you proactively seek them.

Opportunities for Promotions

Promotions exist but are often structured and competitive. There are clear progression paths for engineers, program managers, and technical specialists. Advancement may require demonstrating leadership on key programs, meeting performance metrics, and sometimes patience due to organizational layers. Those who network across teams and take on high-visibility assignments will see faster movement.

Salary Ranges

Salary ranges depend on location, experience, and role. Typical ranges (approximate) are:

• Entry-level engineers: $70,000–$95,000
• Mid-level engineers/program staff: $90,000–$140,000
• Senior engineers/technical leads: $130,000–$200,000+
• Program managers: $100,000–$170,000
• Corporate roles vary widely with market rates Salaries are competitive for the defense sector and often include structured raises tied to performance and tenure.

Bonuses & Incentives

Bonuses and incentives are available but vary by role and contract. Performance-based annual bonuses, retention bonuses for critical roles, and project-completion incentives are common. Executives and some senior staff may receive equity-like awards or long-term incentive plans. Expect variability: some employees receive meaningful bonuses, while others see more modest payouts.

Health and Insurance Benefits

Health and insurance benefits are comprehensive. Medical, dental, and vision plans are standard, often with several plan options including HSA-compatible choices. Mental health resources, employee assistance programs, and disability insurance are provided. Retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with company match and pension-like offerings for some legacy employees. Overall, benefits are robust and competitive.

Employee Engagement and Events

There are frequent engagement efforts: town halls, technical conferences, employee resource groups, and volunteer events. Departments often run team-building activities and recognition programs. Events focus on both mission celebration and community outreach, which helps build camaraderie across large sites.

Remote Work Support

Remote work support exists but is role-dependent. Corporate, IT, and some engineering functions may offer hybrid or remote options. Many manufacturing, lab, and program integration roles require on-site presence for security and hands-on work. Technology and tools are in place for remote collaboration where feasible, but security and program needs limit full remote flexibility.

Average Working Hours

Average working hours are roughly 40 per week for many salaried roles, with regular spikes to 50–60 hours during critical phases or testing windows. Shift work can apply in manufacturing or operations areas. Expect occasional overtime during program milestones and system deliveries.

Attrition Rate & Layoff History

Attrition is generally moderate. The company retains employees well in stable programs but sees turnover related to contract changes, relocations, or career moves to tech or defense peers. There have been periodic restructurings and occasional layoffs tied to program cancellations or budget adjustments, but these are not a constant pattern.

Overall Company Rating

Overall, Lockheed Martin offers a solid workplace for those who value stability, meaningful technical work, and structured career development. It will appeal to people seeking long-term projects and clear adherence to standards. The trade-offs include bureaucracy, variable work-life balance during peak periods, and slower promotion cycles compared to smaller firms. On balance, it is a strong option for engineers, program managers, and specialists who want to build expertise in defense and aerospace. If you are researching company culture at Lockheed Martin, work-life balance at Lockheed Martin, or simply considering working at Lockheed Martin, weigh the mission-driven environment against the formal processes to see if it matches your career goals.