Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a premier systems integrator principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Distinguished by whole-system thinking and action, a passion for invention and disciplined performance, Lockheed Martin strives to earn a reputation as the partner of choice, supplier of choice and employer of choice in the global marketplace.

EMPLOYEES: 135,000 people worldwide. We are one of the largest employers of scientists and engineers in the U.S. Lockheed Martin plans to hire in excess of 4,000 entry-level professionals, co-ops and interns this year.

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS: Diversity is a business imperative. Lockheed Martin engages with key schools, supports internships and co-ops, and offers employees mentoring and specialized development programs. Managers also conduct diversity dialogues with employees and employees participate in local diversity councils and affinity groups.

WEBSITE: www.lockheedmartin.com/careers

What are you proudest of at Lockheed Martin?

Lockheed Martin is a National Treasure. The corporation provides leading edge technology solutions to our government, while having the distinct honor to protect our freedom. Lockheed Martin offers unlimited career opportunities, training and education, and career advancement. Every employee truly has the opportunity to contribute and make a difference. I'm proud of being able to work with the best and the brightest minds comprised of a diverse set of cultures, experiences, ethnicities, and thinking. Lockheed Martin is faced with the most complex challenges around the globe, which fosters an environment where all employees are passionate about mission success.

As a technology solutions provider, what role does diversity play in your company's success?

It offers an opportunity to develop and deploy capabilities that meet and potentially exceed our customer needs. We tailor these capabilities using a diverse team of resources that offer significant creativity and innovative perspectives. Diversity and inclusion become the competitive differentiators. For example, a development team comprised of diverse cultures, and professional experience will introduce diverse problem solving perspectives. This may in turn reduce development cycles and accelerate “go to market” solution time.

As it relates to diversity, please describe the corporate culture at your company.

Lockheed Martin represents a diverse and inclusive culture. We recognize that diversity is not just a short-term trend. It is a business  imperative. Lockheed Martin is dedicated to a process that listens to the voices of our employees and our partners to help shape our course. It is through this process that we set goals and develop a strategy that will hold us accountable for making Lockheed Martin a place of institutionalized inclusion, where all employees are valued.

Does Lockheed Martin offer a mentorship program?

Yes, Lockheed Martin offers various leadership development programs across the corporation for employees that are identified as high potential leaders. In addition, executive level employees are assigned to assist in career development and advancement. In many locations across the corporation, Lockheed Martin has deployed formal mentor programs for early career professionals.

Why did you choose to join Lockheed?

I joined Lockheed Martin because I had two very successful and fulfilling experiences as a summer intern with the company. As an intern, I received real work. I developed a program that automates radio frequency (RF) measurements and processes the raw data into a format that is easily recognizable. My colleagues continued to use this work after I returned to school and they called me when they had questions. I also had an incredible mentoring experience with my supervisor. He took an avid interest in me as a person in addition to seeing me as an employee.

What are you proudest of about Lockheed?

I am proud of the advanced technology that Lockheed Martin is involved in. I work in the corporate laboratory, the Advanced Technology Center, and all the projects are simply amazing and clearly cutting edge. There is never a dull moment, and I'm always learning about something new. The best thing about working at Lockheed Martin is being able to say that my work helps protect people around the world.

What is the value of diversity in your work?

In addition to race, gender, sexuality, religion, and age, I think that diversity includes aspects we typically don't think of, especially in the working environment: level of education, areas of study, schools attended, etc. Diversity helps a team of people draw from their different perspectives and varying experiences to reveal more ways to approach the engineering problems we face. Lockheed Martin truly strives to and succeeds in encouraging all aspects of diversity. There are many opportunities for everyone to advance their careers in whatever direction they see fit. Looking at the hierarchy of management as well as the technical expertise that I've seen, there is clear evidence of that.

As it relates to diversity, please describe the corporate culture at Lockheed.

The corporation as a whole is undoubtedly committed to diversity. There are endless programs to educate employees both as part of normal training and also as voluntary activities we can choose to get involved in. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Sunnyvale has found a simple way to incorporate in-your- mouth diversity (vs. in-your-face diversity) where they have a fantastically delicious multi-cultural luncheon with ethnic foods.

Why should ambitious, career-minded minority students target your company as a future employer?

Lockheed Martin is a great place for all ambitious and career-minded students. We have so much great technical work to accomplish for our customers that it is nearly impossible to complete it all without help from new and vibrant students. We also have great opportunities for advancement in management since our work-force is fairly mature. We, as recent college graduates, also have a lot to learn from those at the corporation who have had between 20-30 years of experience.

What would students find most surprising about working for your company?

The veterans in the industry may seem intimidating, but they are unbelievably exciting and willing to share their experiences with younger colleagues. They gladly take time out of their schedules to help answer technical questions or questions about career growth in general. I feel like I have additional parents because they care about my personal growth as well as my professional development.