Signals Software Engineer
Lockheed Martin
About the role
Below is a quick‑reference summary of the Signals Software Engineer (Emerging Professional – Level 2) role at Lockheed Martin Space, followed by a few practical tips on how to position yourself as a strong candidate and a ready‑to‑customize cover‑letter template you can paste into a Word document or your application portal.
1️⃣ Role at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | King of Prussia, PA · Sunnyvale, CA · Littleton, CO (onsite, 9×80 schedule – every other Friday off) |
| Business Unit | Space – Remote Sensing Ground (RSG) |
| Employment Type | Full‑time, Experienced Professional (Emerging Professional – Level 2) |
| Clearance | Active TS/SCI (U.S. citizen) – must already have TS and be able to obtain SCI |
| Core Technical Focus | • C++ development for real‑time acquisition & processing of time‑series sensor data • Signal‑processing algorithms (filtering, spectral analysis, feature extraction) • Integration with image‑processing pipelines for multi‑modal data fusion |
| Key Activities | • Design, implement, and optimize C++ modules • Profile performance, write automated tests, validate accuracy • Collaborate across software, AI/ML, and mission‑systems teams throughout the SDLC |
| Desired Extras | Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, image‑signal processing background, strong problem‑solving, ability to work both independently and in a team |
| Compensation | $76,500 – $134,895 (or $88,000 – $152,490 in major metros) + incentive plan |
| Benefits | Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k) + match, PTO, flexible schedules, parental leave, education assistance, mentorship, EAP, etc. |
| Work‑style | On‑site full‑time, but Lockheed Martin offers alternate work‑schedule options (e.g., 9×80) |
| Application Window | 90 days from posting – apply ASAP for best visibility |
2️⃣ How to Make Your Application Stand Out
| What Lockheed Martin Wants | How to Show It on Your Resume / Application |
|---|---|
| C++ proficiency (real‑time, performance‑critical) | List specific C++ projects (e.g., “Implemented a 10 µs‑latency data‑capture pipeline in C++14 for a radar‑signal processor”). Highlight use of modern C++ features, STL, multithreading, and profiling tools (VTune, Perf, etc.). |
| Signal‑processing know‑how (filtering, FFT, feature extraction) | Mention coursework, research, or work where you built FIR/IIR filters, performed spectral analysis, or extracted time‑domain features. Include libraries used (e.g., FFTW, Eigen, Armadillo). |
| Integration with image‑processing / AI pipelines | Show any experience fusing sensor modalities (e.g., combining LiDAR with video) or feeding signal‑derived features into ML models. |
| Python & ML frameworks | Even a modest Python script that pre‑processes data or a TensorFlow model you trained is worth a bullet point. |
| Security clearance | Clearly state “Active TS/SCI (U.S. citizen)” or “Active TS, eligible for SCI”. |
| Team collaboration & communication | Cite Agile/Scrum experience, cross‑functional team work, or any mentorship/leadership roles. |
| Performance profiling & testing | Mention unit‑test frameworks (GoogleTest, Catch2), CI pipelines, and profiling tools you used. |
| Problem‑solving | Include a brief “impact” statement: “Reduced processing latency by 35 % through algorithmic optimization, enabling real‑time decision making for a tactical ISR system.” |
Formatting tip: Use a two‑column layout (or a concise “Key Skills” block) so the recruiter can instantly see the match between the job’s “Desired Skills” and your own experience.
3️⃣ Sample Cover‑Letter (Ready‑to‑Edit)
[Your Name]
[Street Address] • [City, State ZIP] • [Phone] • [Email] • [LinkedIn][Date]
Hiring Manager
Lockheed Martin Space – Remote Sensing Ground (RSG)
[Office Address – if known]Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to submit my application for the Signals Software Engineer – Emerging Professional position (Req # [insert if known]) at Lockheed Martin Space. With [X] years of hands‑on experience developing high‑performance C++ modules for real‑time sensor data acquisition and a solid foundation in digital signal processing, I am confident I can contribute immediately to the RSG team’s mission of delivering actionable intelligence to war‑fighting partners.
Why I’m a strong fit
- C++ expertise: At [Current/Most Recent Employer], I designed and optimized a C++17‑based pipeline that captured and processed 200 MS/s radar returns, achieving sub‑10 µs latency through lock‑free queues and SIMD‑accelerated FFTs.
- Signal‑processing depth: I have implemented FIR/IIR filters, spectral estimators, and feature‑extraction routines using FFTW and Eigen, and validated them against MATLAB reference models.
- Multi‑modal fusion: In a recent project I integrated time‑series acoustic signatures with EO imagery, feeding the fused data into a TensorFlow CNN for target classification—directly aligning with RSG’s multi‑modal data‑fusion goals.
- Testing & profiling: I built a full suite of GoogleTest unit tests and employed Intel VTune to profile hotspots, reducing CPU usage by 28 % while maintaining 99.9 % detection accuracy.
- Clearance & citizenship: I hold an active Top‑Secret clearance and am a U.S. citizen; I am fully eligible for SCI and have successfully completed the required background investigations for prior DoD contracts.
Beyond technical skills, I thrive in collaborative, cross‑disciplinary environments. I have worked closely with mission analysts, hardware engineers, and AI scientists, translating mission requirements into robust software artifacts while adhering to strict security and data‑handling standards.
Lockheed Martin’s commitment to purposeful innovation and its culture of mentorship resonate strongly with my own career aspirations. I am eager to bring my passion for signal‑exploitation and my proven engineering track record to the RSG team, helping to push the boundaries of what space‑based intelligence can achieve.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with Lockheed Martin’s vision and how I can contribute to the success of the Remote Sensing Ground organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Attachments: Resume, Transcripts (if requested), Clearance Verification
Replace bracketed placeholders with your own details. Keep the letter to one page (≈ 350‑400 words).
4️⃣ Quick Checklist Before You Hit “Submit”
| ✅ | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Resume includes active TS/SCI (or TS + eligibility) and clearly lists C++, signal‑processing, Python/ML experience. |
| 2 | Quantify impact (e.g., latency reduced by X %, throughput increased by Y %). |
| 3 | Add a “Key Skills” block that mirrors the job’s Desired Skills (C++, Signal Processing, Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, Performance Profiling, Agile). |
| 4 | Attach the cover letter above (customized). |
| 5 | Verify that your citizenship status is stated (U.S. citizen). |
| 6 | Double‑check the location you’re applying for (PA, CA, or CO) and note any willingness to relocate if applicable. |
| 7 | Ensure your LinkedIn/GitHub (if you have one) showcase relevant C++/signal‑processing projects. |
| 8 | Submit within 30 days of posting for optimal visibility. |
| 9 | Follow up with a brief email to the recruiter (if contact info is provided) 5‑7 days after submission. |
Final Thought
Lockheed Martin is looking for engineers who can turn complex sensor data into mission‑critical insight while operating under strict security constraints. By framing your experience around real‑time C++ development, proven signal‑processing algorithms, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, you’ll align perfectly with the Signals Software Engineer role and increase your chances of moving to the interview stage.
Good luck, and feel free to share your draft resume or any specific questions you have about tailoring it further! 🚀
Requirements
- Experience with C++ Programing Language
- Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
- Active Top Secret Clearance (must be a US citizen) with the ability to obtain an SCI clearance
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize C++ modules for real‑time acquisition, processing, and analysis of time‑series sensor data, supporting signal‑exploitation workflows in intelligence applications.
- Implement advanced signal‑processing algorithms (e.g., filtering, spectral analysis, feature extraction) and integrate them with existing image‑processing pipelines to enable multi‑modal data fusion.
- Conduct performance profiling, validation, and automated testing of signal‑analysis software, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with security and data‑handling standards.
Benefits
Skills
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