Job ID: 687491BR Date posted: Feb. 25, 2025
Description:We are Lockheed Martin

Are you an experienced operations engineer with a passion for international collaboration and advanced aerospace manufacturing? Lockheed Martin is seeking a Senior Staff Operations Engineer for an expatriate assignment in Halli, Finland to serve as the primary technical lead supporting the co-production of the F-35 Forward Fuselage. This critical role will begin no later than Q4 2025 and will support the standup phase through serial production. While primarily based in Halli, a small percentage of work will take place at the Lockheed Martin office in Tampere, Finland.


WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
• Serving as the primary technical liaison for Finland’s co-producer in the manufacturing of the F-35 Forward Fuselage.
• Providing daily shop floor support, ensuring smooth operations and resolving technical challenges in real time.
• Managing operational schedules, assessing workforce readiness, and identifying production deficiencies.
• Integrating with production leadership to maintain the health of the Work in Progress (WIP) and ensure production flow.
• Communicating challenges, resource needs, and escalation points with Lockheed Martin’s Technical Assistance Team and the domestic U.S. team.
• Establishing a standard operating tempo as production begins and ramping up operations to achieve full-rate production.
• Supporting adjacent functional areas, including Traveled Work coordination, BFM processing, and audit preparation.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that align with Lockheed Martin’s F-35 best practices, ensuring efficiency and mitigating risk at the co-production site.


WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
• Global Impact – Be at the forefront of Lockheed Martin’s international manufacturing partnerships, supporting one of the most advanced fighter aircraft programs in the world.
• Leadership & Influence – Serve as a key technical expert, shaping the success of Finland’s F-35 Forward Fuselage production.
• Challenging & Rewarding Work – Solve complex production challenges, drive operational excellence, and contribute to international aerospace collaboration.
• Career Development – Gain invaluable expatriate experience while working in a dynamic, cross-functional global environment.
• Cultural & Professional Growth – Work abroad in Finland, engaging with international partners and expanding your global network.

Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.


Who You Are
• A seasoned operations engineer with extensive F-35 production experience and a strong understanding of Forward Fuselage build processes.
• A hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and excels at resolving technical challenges.
• A collaborative leader who integrates seamlessly with production leadership, workforce teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker capable of establishing and optimizing standard operating tempos to scale production effectively.
• A clear communicator who can effectively coordinate between international production teams, Lockheed Martin’s Technical Assistance Team, and U.S.-based counterparts.
Basic Qualifications:
• Experience in an F-35 production environment.
• Proficiency in F-35 production systems, and general office management tools & systems
• Project planning and execution expertise
Desired Skills:
• Experience in F-35 Forward Fuselage build either Structures or Systems
• Risk analysis for assembly schedule performance.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills
• Strong skills in continuous improvement project management
• Familiarity with the F-35 Integrated Corrective Action process.
Security Clearance Statement: None required
Clearance Level: None
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: Non- standard 40 hour work week as assigned by leader
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Yes
Career Area: Manufacturing
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First