Below is a list of our Lockheed Martin interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 10 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, youll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Lockheed Martin has more than 100,000 employees around the world who work hard to make the best aerospace and defense products. This brings in $66 billion a year. With a constant focus on quality and new ideas, it’s clear that anyone looking for a job needs to stand out from the other applicants. Preparing for an interview at Lockheed Martin can be intimidating, but it doesnt have to be. Here are three key tips to help you prepare: 1. Prepare Your Best Stories Lockheed Martin interview candidates frequently report being asked a series of behavioral questions. These kinds of questions are used to see if a job candidate has a strong enough history of showing certain skills or traits at work. You should take the time to write down a list of stories that show off your knowledge, leadership, communication, teamwork, etc. is likely to pay off in a Lockheed Martin interview. 2. Know Your Stuff Many of the open roles at Lockheed Martin are highly technical. This is important if the job you want is like this, so you need to be ready to show the interviewer you have the skills and knowledge to do well. Give the job description a careful read and come up with strong answers for any skills that are missing. 3. Learn About the Company Culture: Lockheed Martin is clear about their company culture, and they hire people who fit in with it. You could spend hours reading their Code of Ethics, learning about how they handle diversity and inclusion, and looking into their programs for helping the community and protecting the environment. You might not need to know a lot about the culture for an interview, but it’s still good to know the basics. This guide offers helpful insight as well as links to several key resources that will get you started. In conclusion, if you’re willing to put in the time, getting ready for a successful Lockheed Martin interview is easier than it sounds. This guide will help you come up with your best stories and learn what you need to know about the company’s culture and ways of doing things. If you follow these tips, you’ll be ready to do well in your interviews and move up in your Lockheed Martin career.
Landing an engineering role at a leading aerospace company like Lockheed Martin requires you to demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. This article will help you tackle one of the most critical parts of the hiring process – the systems engineer interview.
We will explore the 14 most common Lockheed Martin systems engineering interview questions along with sample answers to help you craft strong responses. Whether you’re interviewing for a Systems Engineer or Systems Engineer Associate position preparing responses to these questions will get you ready to shine on interview day!
Overview of Lockheed Martin’s Hiring Process
Before diving into specific questions let’s briefly outline what to expect during the overall Lockheed Martin interview process for systems engineering roles
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Initial Screening Call: A recruiter will look over your resume and call you to talk about your background, skills, and interests in a general way.
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Technical Phone Interview: Expect at least one phone interview focused on technical competencies like requirements analysis, system design, testing, and programming.
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Interviews on-site: For advanced candidates, visits to Lockheed Martin locations include 4-6 interviews that include both technical and behavioral questions.
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Case Study: Interviewers often incorporate hypothetical systems engineering problems or situations for you to analyze and discuss.
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Hiring Decision: The interview team will make a final decision based on your overall performance and alignment with the role.
Now let’s look at 14 of the top systems engineering interview questions and how to nail your answers:
14 Lockheed Martin Systems Engineer Interview Questions and Answers
1. How do you manage trade studies and system analysis when faced with competing priorities or objectives?
This question about your behavior checks how well you can balance trade-offs, which is a very important skill for systems engineers. Demonstrate your structured thought process and ability to drive decisions with objective data.
Example: When priorities conflict, I leverage systems analysis tools like weighted decision matrices to objectively evaluate options against established criteria. I consult both engineering and business stakeholders to assign accurate weightings that reflect diverse objectives. Through trade studies, I can quantify performance, cost, and risk trade-offs to guide balanced recommendations, rather than subjective choices. I also clearly communicate study insights across my team and leadership to align on priorities. This fact-based approach allows me to manage trade-offs effectively, ensuring we meet broader customer needs and program goals.
2. Describe a time you had to simplify complex systems information when communicating with non-technical stakeholders.
Since systems engineering involves collaboration across teams, interviewers want to ensure you can convey technical details in a clear, simplified manner.
Example: During a satellite payload design review, I had to explain the rationale behind our structural analysis approach to project managers without engineering backgrounds. Rather than diving into intricate modeling methods, I focused my presentation on how the analysis reduced risk and improved performance at a system level. Using layman analogies and visuals, I communicated how our simulation studies verified key parameters like vibration resistance. This high-level approach resonated well with the non-technical audience by relating analysis insights to tangible project goals.
3. How do you stay current on the latest advancements and tools used in systems engineering?
Hiring managers want to see that you actively expand your systems engineering knowledge and leverage new solutions. Share examples that showcase self-driven learning.
Example: I make learning core to my professional growth through memberships in organizations like INCOSE, which provide exposure to breakthroughs in systems disciplines. I also regularly engage with cross-functional engineering teams to exchange knowledge. Outside work, I enroll in Coursera courses and certifications to build new capabilities. Reading industry publications also helps me monitor technology trends relevant to systems work. By continuously expanding my toolkit, I can evaluate and apply cutting-edge solutions to deliver higher-performing system designs and analyses.
4. Explain your experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques.
MBSE expertise is highly desired. Provide specific examples of your hands-on application of MBSE tools like CORE, MagicDraw, or SysML.
Example: As a lead systems engineer, I spearheaded adoption of SysML for one of our major defense projects. I led training on diagram standards so our team could map requirements, functions, and component architectures. Developing MBSE models enabled earlier integration risks to be uncovered and mitigated. The single source of truth improved communication across thirty engineers. I also oversaw integration of MBSE with our requirements management and simulations tools. The enhanced visibility and analytics ultimately reduced rework and shortened our SE processes by 20%.
5. How would you conduct system verification and validation testing for a new aircraft platform?
This evaluates your hands-on experience planning and executing systems acceptance testing. Demonstrate your understanding of industry best practices.
Example: For a new aircraft, I would engage cross-functional teams early to develop a comprehensive validation and verification plan, incorporating techniques like design reviews, simulations, and ground/flight tests at the component, subsystem, and system levels. Specifically, I would utilize HITL simulations to validate human factors and man-machine interfaces. For flight tests, I would emphasize envelope expansion and loads testing to verify stability across operating conditions per certification standards like DO-178C. I would also conduct failure modes testing and work with maintainers to validate serviceability features. My overall goal is building a robust, rigorous testing program that verifies requirements and Safety-of-Flight objectives are met prior to customer acceptance.
6. Tell us about a time you uncovered a defect in a system design and how you responded.
Hiring managers want to assess your real-world experience finding issues and driving corrective action. Demonstrate sound problem-solving approaches.
Example: During an avionics integration simulation, our test pilot observed a 30-second lag in the heads-up display interface that posed a safety risk. I led the investigation by thoroughly examining the system architecture and running debug scripts to isolate the root cause – an outdated graphics driver that couldn’t render complex flight data fast enough. Rather than point fingers, I brought the SW and HW teams together to brainstorm options. We ultimately optimized the firmware code and implemented a new GPU approved for avionics systems. Uncovering this defect early prevented significant rework down the line and reinforced the importance of rigorous, integrated testing.
7. What factors do you consider when estimating project costs and timelines for a new system development effort?
Hiring managers want to ensure you can provide accurate estimates to keep programs on schedule and budget. Showcase your insight into key factors impacting systems engineering deliverables.
Example: When estimating systems project timelines, I work backwards from program milestones and allow extra time for critical design reviews and testing events which can uncover unforeseen issues. I also account for staffing ramp up periods for larger teams. For costs, key drivers are hardware components, supplier lead times, testing facility rentals, and tool licenses for disciplines like MBSE. I also leverage historical data from comparable projects and consult experienced engineers to inform realistic estimates. Accurate projections set the program up for success verses overpromising on cost or schedule due to incomplete estimates.
8. How would you convince a customer to invest in a new system architecture over updating an existing legacy system?
You must be able to articulate the value proposition of new system solutions to justify the required investment. Focus on demonstrating advantages through data.
Example: When proposing new architectures, I quantify anticipated improvements across metrics important to the customer like reliability, scalability, and lifecycle cost reductions. For example, migrating a legacy system to cloud-based microservices could decrease downtime by 50% and cut maintenance costs by 40%. I present compelling business cases, emphasizing how new architectures provide a strong return on investment. I also highlight how incremental updates fail to address underlying limitations as effectively, leading to ongoing issues. By demonstrating both engineering and enterprise value, I can justify adopting completely new systems where merited by the business objectives.
9. Describe a situation where you had to balance competing product requirements with engineering limitations. How did you arrive at a solution?
Expect scenarios that evaluate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics while upholding technical constraints. Be sure to provide a specific example.
Example: We faced a dilemma upgrading an engine component needed for higher thrust while also reducing weight. Through collaborative workshops, I uncovered that marketing’s weight goal was flexible but engineering could not exceed certain temperature thresholds that would require material changes. I used decision matrices to map each option against the project priorities, highlighting where design compromises were possible. We ultimately prioritized the thrust target and I recommended an innovative carbon composite solution that allowed us to minimize weight increases versus metal alternatives. This experience demonstrated the importance of engaging cross-functional teams early while also driving solutions grounded in technical rigor.
10. How would you explain a complex systems problem or design to someone who doesn’t work in engineering?
Hiring managers want to ensure you can communicate complex technical details in a simplified, accessible manner. Tailor your response for non-expert audiences.
Example: When explaining systems engineering concepts, I use relatable analogies and avoid jargon that may confuse non-technical audiences. For example, when conveying a satellite network’s redundancies, I compare it to backup generators supporting a hospital’s critical systems. I also lean on visual aids like diagrams to clarify complex interactions and hierarchies. My goal is focusing on what the system does and why certain
Questions to Ask During Your Lockheed Martin Interview
Some individuals are naturally talented at interviewing and do well with minimal effort. While that may be the case, I personally perform better when I take the time to prepare. If youre here at Mock Questions, you are likely the same.
The great news is there is one section of your interview you can always prepare for. Taking the time to come up with good questions to ask the interviewer is a good idea that will probably pay off. You show that you are interested in the job and the process by asking thoughtful questions during the interview. It also shows that you know about the company and can lead to a conversation about skills and experiences that aren’t listed on your resume.
For great interview questions, you should ask ones that are specific, make you think, or come as a surprise. You should ask at least one question that makes the person interviewing you at Lockheed Martin think or say, “That’s a great question.” Before you accept an offer, give the job some thought, think about what you know about Lockheed Martin from this site and other sources, and what you really want to know. Then, put together a list of things you can use.
Here is a list of 5 questions to get you started:
