Ground Systems IPT Lead

About the Role

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.

Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long-term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation.

This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role:

The Ground Systems IPT Lead will lead all aspects of the Ground Integrated Product Team (IPT) responsible for the development, integration and delivery of the Ground Segment, with accountability for technical performance, schedule, cost, resource planning, and risk and opportunity management.

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring close coordination across engineering, operations and programme management teams to drive successful programme execution. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the full product lifecycle — from design and development through integration, production transition and system fielding — while operating with a high degree of autonomy.

The role also includes oversight of day-to-day Ground IPT activities, including workforce planning, team development, allocation and retention of engineering staff, alongside supporting programme planning, coordination, monitoring and delivery activities across the Ground Segment scope.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering Ground Solution capabilities including Payload Monitoring & Control (PM&C), Satellite Monitoring & Control (SM&C), STT&C Monitoring & Control, Link Processing, and Crypto Key Management, while maintaining cost, schedule, and technical baselines throughout the program lifecycle.
• Building, leading, and optimising a multidisciplinary workforce through inclusive, cross-cultural leadership to maximise quality and delivery performance.
• Supporting the Ground IPT Lead, Program, and Executive Leadership in managing the Performance Measurement Baseline, EVMS metrics, engineering metrics, and proactive risk and opportunity management.
• Partnering with LM UK RMS Facilities to complete the Ground System Integration Lab (SIL) in Havant and with LM Space US Facilities to support the SIL in Bethesda, MD.
• Working with the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) to develop sustainable engineering pipelines for LMUK Space.
• Collaborating with Program and Ground Chief Engineers/Architects to establish standard engineering processes aligned with LM Engineering Procedures and technical compliance requirements.
• Supporting Engineering Change Proposals.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with at least 10 years of professional experience.
• Proven hands-on experience in satellite system level testing and working in cleanrooms / lab environments.
• Technical Background with Technical Leadership experience and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Familiar with space systems engineering and testing standards, such as ECSS, NASA and MIL-STD.
• System level understanding of GEO satellites.
• Familiar with Environmental Verification Testing requirements and process.
• Experience of Systems Integration and Test Planning, including Assembly, Integration and Test Plan/Procedure Writing.
• System Requirements management (inc. verification and requirements sell-off).
• Familiar with testing different subsystem and payload technologies.
• Familiar with ground systems required for spacecraft missions.
• Experience leading a System Engineering team on a development program.
• Experience implementing System Engineering processes and procedures.
• Extensive understanding of Systems Engineering principles and processes, and their application to complex space architectures through the entire life cycle.
• Experience in the design, development, integration, and/or delivery of Satellite Communication Systems.
• Active or current Secret clearance, UK or NATO citizenship is required.

Desired Skills:

• Ability to influence cross functional teams, resolve conflicts, and present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience as a senior System Engineer through the entire lifecycle of a development program.
• Development program management experience.
• Recognised as a subject matter expert in the implementation of System Engineering processes and command media, with the demonstrated ability to apply them to a wide range of sophisticated problems and train others in their application.
• SW Development, Integration, and testing experience (to include requirements and interface definition).