Lockheed Martin Resume Keywords (2026): 60+ ATS Skills for Defense Jobs
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🚨 Not getting Lockheed Martin interviews? Your resume is missing critical defense keywords.
In 2026, over 97% of defense contractors use ATS to filter candidates before a human recruiter even opens a resume. Lockheed Martin's ATS specifically searches for security clearance, systems engineering, and compliance keywords. If your resume doesn't include them, you're invisible—even if you're perfectly qualified.
Why Lockheed Martin Resume Keywords Matter in 2026
The brutal truth: Lockheed Martin works on classified, high-stakes defense programs where precision and compliance are non-negotiable.
Lockheed Martin's ATS and recruiters scan your resume for:
- ✅ Defense standards (DoD 5000, NIST 800-171, ITAR, EAR)
- ✅ Engineering methodology (Systems Engineering V-Model, MBSE, Agile Development)
- ✅ Project management (Earned Value Management (EVM), risk management, cost control)
- ✅ Software & Tools (DOORS, Cameo, MATLAB, C++, Python, Linux)
- ✅ Security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, Polygraph)
If your resume doesn't match Lockheed's defense vocabulary, it gets filtered out—often before a human ever sees it.
The Defense Keyword Gap Problem
80% of defense resumes are rejected by ATS because candidates list generic skills instead of specific defense terminology. The #1 reason? Missing qualification keywords like "Active Secret Clearance" or "DoD."
Example: A software engineer resume missing "Real-Time Embedded Systems" or "DoD" gets filtered out, even if the candidate is an expert coder.
The solution: Use this comprehensive keyword guide to ensure your resume includes every term Lockheed recruiters search for.
What Are Lockheed Martin Resume Keywords?
Lockheed Martin resume keywords are the specific defense industry terms, technical skills, and compliance standards that recruiters search for to validate your ability to work on government contracts.
For 2026, the most critical keyword categories are:
- Security & Compliance: Secret Clearance, Top Secret, ITAR, Special Access Programs (SAP)
- Systems Engineering: Requirements Analysis, System Integration, Verification & Validation (V&V), MBSE
- Program Management: EVM, CAM (Control Account Manager), IMS (Integrated Master Schedule)
- Technical Skills: C++, Java, Ada, FPGA, RF Engineering, Cybersecurity
If these terms are missing from your Summary or Experience bullets, your resume will likely be rejected by the ATS before a human reviews it.
60+ Essential Lockheed Martin Resume Keywords (2026)
Our research across hundreds of Lockheed Martin job listings shows that successful resumes must include a blend of:
🔐 Security Clearance & Compliance
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Clearance Levels | Security Clearance, Active Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, Polygraph, Public Trust |
| Regulations | ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR, NIST 800-171, DoD Directives |
| Information Security | COMSEC, INFOSEC, Cybersecurity, RMF (Risk Management Framework), JSIG |
| Handling | Classified Information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) |
🛰️ Systems Engineering & Analysis
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Systems Engineering, MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering), V-Model, Agile Systems Engineering |
| Lifecycle | Requirements Analysis, System Architecture, System Integration, Verification and Validation (V&V), Test and Evaluation |
| Tools | DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Rhapsody, MagicDraw, Teamcenter |
| Analysis | Trade Studies, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Reliability Engineering |
💻 Software & Technical Skills
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Languages | C++, C, Python, Java, Ada, MATLAB, Simulink, VHDL, Verilog |
| Operating Systems | Linux, Red Hat, VxWorks, RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems), Windows |
| Domains | Embedded Systems, RF Engineering, Signal Processing, Software Defined Radio (SDR) |
| Cloud/DevOps | AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, DevSecOps, Git |
📊 Program Management & Operations
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Management | Program Management, Project Management, Earned Value Management (EVM), Control Account Manager (CAM) |
| Scheduling | IMS (Integrated Master Schedule), MS Project, Primavera P6, Critical Path Method |
| Operations | Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Subcontract Management, Lean Six Sigma |
| Financial | Budgeting, Cost Estimation, Variance Analysis, Estimate at Completion (EAC) |
🚀 Lockheed Martin Programs & Divisions
Aeronautics
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, C-130 Hercules, Skunk Works |
| Domains | Aerodynamics, Avionics, Flight Control Systems, Stealth Technology, Composites |
Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS)
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Sikorsky Helicopters, Black Hawk, CH-53K, Aegis Combat System, Radar Systems |
| Domains | Undersea Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Training & Simulation, C4ISR |
Space
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Programs | Orion, GPS III, GOES-R, SBIRS, Deep Space Exploration |
| Domains | Satellite Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Propulsion, Payload Integration |
Missiles and Fire Control (MFC)
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Systems | HIMARS, THAAD, PAC-3, Javelin, Hellfire, Guided Missiles |
| Domains | Fire Control Systems, Sensor Systems, Electro-Optics, Guidance and Control |
🎯 Role-Specific Keywords
Systems Engineer Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Core Skills | Requirements Management, DOORS, MBSE, Cameo, V&V, System Integration |
| Analysis | Trade Studies, Performance Analysis, Modeling & Simulation, MATLAB |
| Compliance | DoD Standards, System Safety, Risk Management |
Software Engineer Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Core Skills | C++, Python, Object-Oriented Design, Linux, RTOS, Embedded Software |
| Development | Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, DevSecOps, Software Architecture |
| Clearance | Secret Clearance, Software assurance, Cyber compliance |
Project Manager / CAM Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Core Skills | EVM (Earned Value Management), CAM, Risk Management, Schedule Management |
| Tools | MS Project, Deltek Cobra, SAP, Jira |
| Metrics | SPI (Schedule Performance Index), CPI (Cost Performance Index), Variance Analysis |
How to Integrate Keywords into Your Resume
✅ Strong Example: Keyword-Optimized Lockheed Resume
Experience Section:
Senior Systems Engineer | Defense Contractor | 2021 - Present Security Clearance: Active Top Secret/SCI
- Lead requirements analysis and system integration for electronic warfare systems using DOORS and Cameo, ensuring compliance with DoD 5000 standards
- Implement Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to optimize system architecture, reducing design cycle time by 20%
- Manage Earned Value Management (EVM) as a Control Account Manager (CAM) for a $15M sub-system, maintaining CPI and SPI above 0.95
- Conduct trade studies and verification and validation (V&V) activities to support critical design reviews (CDR) and technical baseline acceptance
- Collaborate with software teams to integrate C++ and Ada embedded modules regarding real-time operating systems (RTOS) requirements
- Develop test plans and procedures in accordance with NIST 800-171 security controls and RMF guidelines
Skills Section:
Clearance: Active Top Secret/SCI, Polygraph Systems Engineering: DOORS, Cameo, Rhapsody, MBSE, SysML, Requirements Management, V&V Technical: C++, MATLAB, Simulink, Linux, Python, STK (Systems Tool Kit) Management: Earned Value Management (EVM), CAM, Agile, Scrum, Risk Management Standards: DoD 5000, ITAR, NIST 800-53, MIL-STD-810, ISO 9001
❌ Weak Example: Missing Keywords
Experience Section:
Engineer | Defense Co | 2021 - Present
- Worked on system requirements
- Managed project budget and schedule
- Tested software and hardware
- Attended design reviews
Skills Section:
Engineering, Project Management, Testing, Coding
Why it fails:
- ❌ No confirmation of clearance (Secret/TS)
- ❌ Generics ("project budget") instead of "EVM" or "CAM"
- ❌ Missing tool names (DOORS, Cameo)
- ❌ No specific standards (DoD, ITAR)
- ❌ Vague verbs ("Worked on", "Attended")
Keyword Integration Strategy
1. Identify the Clearance Requirement
Check if the job requires Secret or Top Secret. If you have it, put it at the very top of your resume. It is often a "knock-out" question.
2. Speak the Language of Programs
If you have experience with specific platforms (e.g., Radar, Missiles, Satellites), state them clearly.
3. Use Acronyms Correctly
Use both the acronym and the full term once (e.g., "Earned Value Management (EVM)") to catch both search variations.
4. Show Impact with Metrics
Instead of "Managed budget," use: "Managed EVM metrics as CAM, maintaining 1.0 CPI across a $5M budget."
👉 Want to instantly check your missing keywords? Try the ResumeAdapter free ATS scan — upload your resume + job description and get your missing keywords in seconds.
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