Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is one of the largest defense contractors in the world and a 2005 G.I. Jobs Top 25 Military Friendly Employer. The Bethesda, Md., based company is the manufacturer of some of the America’s most recognizable military machinery including the F-117 Nighthawk, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, and the new FA-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

The company’s tag line – "We never forget who we’re working for" – is more than just a tag line, it’s the honest sentiment of 135,000 Lockheed Martin employees. From information technology support to aircraft to satellite imagery to air traffic control systems to precision munitions, Lockheed Martin products – and people – have been an integral part of America’s defense and security. Lockheed’s platform integration capabilities span homeland security, space, air, land, sea and even undersea missions.

We asked Philip Prevatte, military relations manager for military staffing, to provide some additional insight into employment opportunities for veterans at Lockheed Martin. Prevatte has the experience to share. He retired as a chief master sergeant from the Air Force in 1999 after a distinguished 30-year career as a personnel administrator spanning the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. During his career he earned six meritorious service medals. Here is what he has to say about what it takes to GET HIRED at Lockheed Martin.

GIJ: What do former members of the military bring to your company that you like:

LM: Employees with prior military service often bring key insight, experience and knowledge of our government customers’ needs and requirements, helping us develop better solutions for their most critical challenges.

GIJ: What issues/surprises do you find that military transitioners need to be aware of when entering the civilian workforce:

LM: A key consideration to keep in mind is that the military is a unique environment where the chain of command is easily understood by all. In industry, it’s important to know the organizational chain of command, but at the same time, it’s important to be able to operate effectively through multiple chains of command simultaneously, where lines of authority are not always so clear. As in the military, collaboration and teamwork are extremely important, and simply giving an order is not always the best form of motivation. Be prepared to keep your salary expectations in check and don’t get overly concerned with job titles. Hard work will be noticed and rewarded.

GIJ: What advantages do military personnel have over their peers of the same age and education level:

LM: Because of their experience and background, military personnel often have an opportunity to attain greater levels of responsibility at a faster rate than their civilian counterparts, and consequently may receive greater leadership and management training earlier in their careers. Due to the nature of military service, the ability to hold a security clearance is essential and is of considerable value in the private sector.

GIJ: What challenges do you find in hiring military transitioners:

LM: It’s important to make a concerted effort to understand the civilian workplace. Rules and policies are usually not that different from the services, particularly when working for government contractors. Occasionally, there is a temptation to apply a military organizational construct in the workplace, which may be the wrong approach. Instead, observe the common practices and interactions and then tailor behaviors appropriately.

GIJ: Is relocating essential for promotion within your company:

LM: Like the military, flexibility in terms of the positions and assignments you are willing to take will afford you greater opportunity for growth in your career. Large companies like Lockheed Martin often have multiple geographic locations that afford outstanding opportunities for mobility and career development.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes you see on military résumés:

LM: Strong résumés require concise objectives. Take the time to review other résumés and understand exactly what you want to do when you leave the military. Also, keep your résumé brief, no more than two pages, and be sure to accurately define your military positions. Don’t worry about trying to create your own civilian equivalent descriptions, causing you to make incorrect or inaccurate assumptions. Only print on one side of your résumé, and use a new sheet for your next page if it has to be longer than one page.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes veterans make in interviews:

LM: Most mistakes by candidates from the private sector or military alike involve a lack of preparation. Be sure to research your prospective employer in advance. Know exactly what they do, who they serve, what type of business strategy they employ, etc. Have questions prepared in advance that you want to ask the inteviewer. Avoid an immediate focus on pay, vacations and benefits, but emphasize your interest and enthusiasm in the company and the position. If the company is interested in you, the interviewer will bring up compensation at the appropriate time. Remember, interviews are two-way streets. Take good notes and be sure to find out the dress code for the interview in advance. Remember, dress for success!

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for:

LM: We hire for hourly, exempt and non-exempt positions, including professional, technical and trade skills. Most positions require some level of security clearance.

GIJ: Describe the responsibilities of one of these positions:

LM: Lockheed Martin has many current opportunities for transitioning military, at all levels of experience and a variety of skills. Some positions will require working a regular work week at a facility, and others may require shift work or travel. Just a few examples are listed here: AEGIS technicians and engineers, avionics engineers, flight test technicians and engineers, electronic warfare engineers, field service technicians/mechanics, health care professionals and technicians, industrial security specialists, intelligence analysts, radar technicians and engineers, software engineers, systems engineers, and trainers.

For a more complete list see the Transitioning Military page on www.lockheedmartin.com/careers.

GIJ: Can a new hire stay in a position for an entire career or do you require them to “move up or move out” like the military does:

LM: There are many opportunities for employees to move laterally or upward in their careers at Lockheed Martin. Over 40 percent of job openings are filled each year by current employees who change departments or are promoted to more responsibility. We have formal performance reviews annually to assist employees in managing their career.

GIJ: What is the average starting pay for a newly-hired employee at Lockheed Martin:

LM: Our compensation package is very competitive with all Fortune 1000 companies.

GIJ: Describe the benefits of a Lockheed Martin employee (health care, retirement, vacation, etc):

LM: Lockheed Martin has a “Total Value” package which consists of an exciting and flexible work environment with work-life balance; outstanding pay and benefits that are among the best in America; additional rewards and recognition for a job well done; and world class career development opportunities in the most leading-edge technical fields as well as many other fields.

GIJ: Do employees need to pay for any of their benefits:

LM: Lockheed Martin offers a complete range of benefits that are among the most competitive in any industry. Lockheed Martin provides most benefits either 100 percent or covers nearly all of the expense with a modest employee contribution, such as health care. The formula for benefits is better than that offered by most other companies.

GIJ: Are there any other special incentive benefits that might interest new military hires (i.e. tuition reimbursement, relocation allowance, company car, etc.):

LM: Lockheed Martin has an outstanding tuition reimbursement program; in fact, the corporation puts great emphasis on continuous career learning, and offers training opportunities for all employees. Relocation assistance is available, depending on the position. Our employee surveys show Lockheed Martin to be among the best companies when it comes to work-life balance with alternative work schedules, flexible schedules, telecommuting, maternity and paternity leave, and other ways to have a life at work and at home.

GIJ: Describe a typical career progression for someone at Lockheed Martin:

LM: Associate Field Engineer, Field Engineer, Senior Field Engineer, Staff Field Engineer, Sr. Staff Field Engineer, Principal Field Engineer

GIJ: Do you look for any specific educational requirements (i.e. bachelor’s degree/associate’s/certification/qualification/clearance) for this position:

LM: Yes. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from accredited schools are extremely important with a degree relative to the position being sought. A substitute would be training and experience obtained through the military that applies to the job in question.

GIJ: Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military:

LM: Our Chairman, President and CEO, Bob Stevens, served in the Marines, along with many other leaders who have military experience throughout the corporation.

GIJ: How many military veterans work in your company and what percentage of the total workforce does this comprise:

LM: Lockheed Martin employs over 30,000 military veterans, which is more than 25 percent of the total work force. We are extremely proud of all our employees, but also feel a very special debt of gratitude for the service of our military veterans. At Lockheed Martin, veterans will find a supportive and inclusive environment that has the highest regard and respect for their military contributions and what they can bring to the success of our enterprise as well.=

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Prevatte’s Advice for Transitioning Veterans 

• Research the companies that interest you to become knowledgeable about each company and to determine where your skills may be a fit before applying.
• Try to be flexible in starting a new career, regardless of job title, location, or responsibilities.
• Network with prior military, now in the civilian sector.