Lockheed Martin Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology, dedicated to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges.

As a Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin, you’ll develop, maintain, and enhance software for critical defense and aerospace projects. Your role includes coding, debugging, implementing algorithms, and ensuring seamless system integration. Proficiency in C++ and Python, along with knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and Linux, is essential. Experience with RF systems or DSP is a plus. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills are key to success in this innovative and mission-driven environment.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that Lockheed Martin values and the types of Lockheed Martin software engineer interview questions you may encounter.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Lockheed Martin is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate’s qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone interview, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This initial conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter who will ask about your background, experience, and interest in the role. Expect questions that gauge your understanding of software engineering principles and your willingness to work in a collaborative environment. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates may be invited to a technical interview, which can be conducted via video conferencing. This interview often includes a mix of coding questions and discussions about your previous projects. You may be asked to solve problems in real time, demonstrating your coding skills in languages such as C++ or Python. Additionally, expect questions about object-oriented programming, algorithms, and system design. The interviewers will seek your thought process and problem-solving abilities, so be prepared to explain your reasoning.

3. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is a crucial part of the process, often utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to assess how you handle various workplace scenarios. Interviewers will ask about your past experiences, focusing on teamwork, conflict resolution, and project management. This stage evaluates your interpersonal skills and how well you align with Lockheed Martin’s values and mission.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview involving multiple interviewers from different departments. This format allows the team to assess how you interact with various stakeholders and how well you can communicate your ideas. Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your resume in detail, including specific projects and challenges you’ve faced.

5. Final Interview and Offer

The final stage may involve a follow-up conversation with hiring managers or team leads. This discussion often focuses on your fit within the team and the specific projects you would be working on. If all goes well, you may receive an offer shortly after this interview, typically within a week or two.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each stage, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and past experiences.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Conversational Style

Interviews at Lockheed Martin often feel more like conversations than formal interrogations. Approach your interview with a relaxed demeanor, and be prepared to share your experiences in a narrative format. This will help you connect with the interviewers described as friendly and interested in your background. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions, as this is a common format they prefer.

Know Your Resume Inside and Out

Be ready to discuss your resume in detail. Interviewers will likely ask about specific projects and experiences listed on your resume. Reflect on your past roles and be prepared to explain your contributions, challenges faced, and work outcomes. This not only demonstrates your qualifications but also shows your ability to articulate your experiences clearly.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions that assess your teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Questions like “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult team member” or “Describe a situation where you had to overcome a challenge” are common. Think of relevant examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and align with Lockheed Martin’s values of collaboration and integrity.

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

While many interviews are behavioral, you should still be prepared for some technical questions, especially related to programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as concepts in software development and object-oriented programming. Review key technical concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with relevant technologies, such as Linux systems and DSP algorithms, as these are often part of the role.

Show Enthusiasm for the Company’s Mission

Lockheed Martin values employees who are passionate about their work and the company’s mission. Familiarize yourself with their projects and initiatives, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and advanced technology solutions. Expressing genuine interest in how your role contributes to the company’s goals can set you apart from other candidates.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This shows your interest in the role and gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and work environment align with your values. Inquire about team dynamics, project challenges, or opportunities for professional development within the company.

Leverage the Company Culture

Lockheed Martin emphasizes a supportive and inclusive work environment. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and your commitment to fostering a positive team atmosphere. Share examples of how you have contributed to team success in previous roles, as this aligns with the company’s focus on teamwork and integrity.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on a specific topic discussed during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and authenticity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Lockheed Martin. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Lockheed Martin. The interview process typically includes a mix of behavioral and technical questions, focusing on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge relevant to software development and engineering principles.

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult team member.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific example using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate how you handled the situation and what you learned from it.

Example

“In a previous project, I worked with a team member who consistently missed deadlines. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their challenges. It turned out they were overwhelmed with their workload. We collaborated to redistribute tasks, which improved our team’s efficiency and strengthened our working relationship.”

2. Tell me about a time you faced conflict in a group setting.

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills and teamwork.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the conflict, your role in resolving it, and the outcome.

Example

“During a project, two team members had differing opinions on the approach to take. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their ideas. By encouraging open communication, we found a compromise that combined both approaches, leading to a successful project outcome.”

3. What is your biggest strength?

This question allows you to highlight a personal quality that aligns with the role.

How to Answer

Choose a strength that is relevant to the job and provide an example of how it has benefited your work.

Example

“My biggest strength is my problem-solving ability. In my last role, I developed a new algorithm that reduced processing time by 30%, significantly improving our project timelines.”

4. How would you handle a situation where you are told that your current work performance is unsatisfactory?

This question assesses your ability to accept feedback and improve.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving feedback and your commitment to professional growth.

Example

“I would first seek to understand the specific areas of concern. I would then create a plan to address those issues, possibly seeking mentorship or additional training, and regularly check in with my supervisor to track my progress.”

Technical Questions

5. Explain the difference between a struct and a class in C++.

This question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming concepts.

How to Answer

Clearly define the differences in terms of access specifiers and usage.

Example

“A struct in C++ defaults to public access, while a class defaults to private. Structs are typically used for simple data structures, while classes are used for more complex data types encapsulating data and behavior.”

6. What are the main features of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

This question evaluates your foundational knowledge of OOP principles.

How to Answer

List the main features and provide brief explanations for each.

Example

“The main features of OOP are encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Encapsulation hides the internal state of an object, inheritance allows for code reuse, polymorphism enables methods to do different things based on the object, and abstraction simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties.”

7. Can you describe your experience with Linux systems?

This question assesses your familiarity with the operating system commonly used in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience level and specific tasks you have performed in a Linux environment.

Example

“I have extensive experience with Linux, using it for software development and deployment. I am comfortable using command-line tools, managing file systems, and writing shell scripts to automate tasks.”

8. What is the Agile methodology, and how have you applied it in your projects?

This question tests your understanding of Agile practices.

How to Answer

Define Agile and explain how you have implemented it in a project.

Example

“Agile is an iterative approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility and customer collaboration. In my last project, we held daily stand-ups and bi-weekly sprints, which allowed us to adapt quickly to changing requirements and deliver incremental updates to our stakeholders.”

9. Describe a project where you implemented a DSP algorithm.

This question evaluates your technical expertise in digital signal processing.

How to Answer

Provide details about the project, the algorithm used, and the results achieved.

Example

“I worked on a project that required real-time audio processing. I implemented a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to analyze frequency components. This improved our system’s ability to filter noise, resulting in a 40% increase in audio clarity for users.”