What Lockheed Martin plants do and where they are

Lockheed Martin operates manufacturing and assembly plants across the United States that build military aircraft, missiles, radar systems, and other defense equipment. The company does not run a single central factory — instead, different plants specialize in different products and components, and work moves between locations as parts are made and assembled.

The largest and most visible plants are in Fort Worth, Texas (where the F-35 fighter jet is assembled), Marietta, Georgia (where the C-130 cargo plane is built), and Grand Prairie, Texas (where missile systems are manufactured). Smaller facilities in places like Troy, Michigan; Akron, Ohio; and Nashua, New Hampshire handle specialized components like electronics, hydraulics, and precision parts. Lockheed Martin also operates plants in other states including California, Connecticut, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

These plants employ tens of thousands of workers — from engineers and machinists to assembly technicians and quality inspectors. The company hires for both skilled trades (welding, machining, electrical work) and professional roles (engineering, program management, supply chain). Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent at minimum, though many roles prefer some college or technical training.

Key Takeaways

  • Lockheed Martin operates multiple plants across the United States, each focused on specific aircraft, missiles, or defense systems rather than all products in one location.
  • The Fort Worth, Texas plant is the primary assembly site for F-35 fighter jets, while Marietta, Georgia builds C-130 cargo planes and Grand Prairie, Texas manufactures missile systems.
  • Jobs at these plants range from assembly line technician and machinist to engineer and program manager, with most positions requiring at least a high school diploma.
  • Many Lockheed Martin plants are located in or near major metropolitan areas, making them significant employers in their regions.
  • The company regularly hires for both entry-level manufacturing roles and specialized technical positions, with hiring needs varying by plant and product demand.

The Fort Worth plant and F-35 production

The Fort Worth facility is Lockheed Martin's largest single plant and serves as the final assembly and checkout location for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter used by the U.S. military and allied nations, and Fort Worth is where fuselages, wings, engines, and avionics come together into a complete aircraft. The plant also handles test flights and delivery preparation.

This plant employs several thousand workers across manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and engineering. Jobs include structural assemblers (who join large metal sections), avionics technicians (who install and test electronic systems), sheet metal workers, and inspectors. The plant also needs engineers, program coordinators, and supply chain specialists. Most assembly positions require mechanical aptitude and the ability to read technical drawings, but formal aerospace experience is not always required — the company trains people on the job.

Fort Worth is also home to Lockheed Martin's F-35 program management office, so the plant has a large contingent of program managers, systems engineers, and quality assurance personnel who oversee production schedules and may support aircraft meet military specifications.

The Marietta plant and C-130 Hercules production

The Marietta, Georgia plant has been building the C-130 Hercules cargo and transport aircraft since the 1950s. The C-130 is one of the longest-running military aircraft in production and is used by the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and many allied air forces. Marietta is the only facility in the world that builds the C-130, making it a critical production hub for the U.S. military.

The plant employs thousands of workers in roles similar to Fort Worth: structural assemblers, electrical technicians, hydraulic specialists, welders, and machinists. Marietta also has a large engineering and planning staff because the C-130 program involves continuous modernization — newer versions incorporate updated avionics, engines, and cargo systems. Quality control is extensive because military transport aircraft must meet strict safety and performance standards.

Unlike the F-35, which is a newer program, the C-130 operation at Marietta includes workers with decades of experience on the same aircraft type. This means the plant has both entry-level positions for people new to aerospace manufacturing and senior roles for experienced technicians and engineers.

Missile and space systems plants

Lockheed Martin's Grand Prairie, Texas facility manufactures tactical missiles, including the Hellfire missile used on attack helicopters and the Javelin anti-tank missile (made in partnership with Raytheon). The plant also produces components for space launch vehicles and satellite systems. This facility requires precision manufacturing because missiles and space components have tight tolerances — a small error in a part dimension or assembly can cause a system to fail.

Jobs at missile and space plants include precision machinists, welders, assembly technicians, and quality inspectors. Many positions require reading blueprints, using precision measurement tools, and understanding how tolerances affect performance. The plant also employs engineers, test technicians, and logistics coordinators. Some roles may require security clearance because missile and space work involves classified defense information.

Other Lockheed Martin facilities across the country handle specialized components that feed into these main plants: electronics assemblies, hydraulic systems, landing gear, and avionics. These supplier plants are often smaller but equally important to the overall production chain.

Skills and training for plant jobs

Lockheed Martin plants hire people with different backgrounds and experience levels. Entry-level assembly positions typically require a high school diploma or GED and the ability to follow detailed instructions, work safely around machinery, and pass a background check. Many people start as general assemblers and move into specialized roles (electrical assembly, welding, machining) after gaining experience and completing on-the-job training.

Skilled trades — welding, machining, hydraulics, electrical work — are in high demand at Lockheed Martin plants. People with trade certifications from vocational schools or apprenticeships often start at higher pay grades and move into supervisory or specialized technical roles more quickly. The company also hires people with associate degrees in manufacturing technology, electronics, or mechanical engineering for technician and engineering support roles.

Many plants offer tuition information or partnership programs with local community colleges, allowing employees to earn certifications or degrees while working. Some positions require or prefer a security clearance, which the company can sponsor but which takes time to process. Clearance may be able to access depends on citizenship, financial history, and background — not on the job itself.

How to find job openings at Lockheed Martin plants

Lockheed Martin posts job openings on its main careers website (lockheedmartin.com/careers). The site allows you to search by location, job category, and experience level. You can filter for specific plants — for example, searching "Fort Worth" will show all open positions at that facility, from assembly technician to senior engineer.

The company also recruits through local workforce development agencies, community colleges, and trade schools. If you are interested in a specific plant, contacting the plant's human resources office directly can sometimes provide information about upcoming hiring or apprenticeship programs. Many plants hold job fairs or recruiting events at local schools and community centers.

When you explore, have your resume ready and be prepared to describe any manufacturing, mechanical, or technical experience you have — even if it is not aerospace-specific. Lockheed Martin values people who can demonstrate attention to detail, safety awareness, and willingness to learn. The hiring process typically includes an process, phone screening, in-person interview, and background check. For some roles, a skills test or practical demonstration may be required.

Working conditions and what to expect

Manufacturing plants operate on production schedules, which means shift work is common. Many plants run first shift (day), second shift (afternoon/evening), and third shift (overnight). Newer employees often start on second or third shift and may move to day shift as seniority increases. Some plants also operate on Saturday or Sunday depending on production demand.

Safety is a major focus at defense manufacturing plants. You will receive safety training before starting work, and the company enforces strict rules about protective equipment, machine guarding, and hazard reporting. Plants are generally clean and climate-controlled, though some areas (like welding or machine shops) are louder and hotter than others. Physical demands vary by role — assembly work can involve standing for long periods, lifting, and repetitive motions, while engineering roles are office-based.

Most Lockheed Martin plant employees receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The company also offers employee discounts and wellness programs. Pay varies significantly by location, experience, and role — entry-level assembly positions typically start above minimum wage, while skilled trades and engineering roles pay considerably more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need aerospace experience to work at a Lockheed Martin plant?

No. Most entry-level assembly and manufacturing positions do not require prior aerospace experience. The company hires people from other manufacturing backgrounds and trains them on aerospace-specific processes and standards. Skilled trades (welding, machining) and engineering roles may prefer relevant experience, but it is not always required if you have the foundational skills.

What does a security clearance involve, and do I need one?

A security clearance is a background investigation that checks your citizenship, financial history, criminal record, and personal conduct. Not all Lockheed Martin jobs require clearance — many assembly and manufacturing roles do not. If a job posting mentions clearance, the company will explain the process. Clearance takes several months to complete and is paid for by the company, not by you.

Can I transfer between Lockheed Martin plants?

Yes. Lockheed Martin encourages internal transfers, and many employees move between plants as they advance or seek different roles. Transferring usually requires that you have been with the company for a certain period (often six months to a year) and that a position is open at the destination plant. Your manager and human resources can discuss transfer options.

What is the difference between working at Fort Worth versus Marietta?

Fort Worth focuses on F-35 fighter jet assembly and has a faster-paced, newer-program environment. Marietta builds C-130 cargo planes and has a more established, long-running production line. Fort Worth tends to have more rapid hiring during production ramps, while Marietta has more stable, long-term employment. Both offer similar benefits and career paths — the choice depends on the aircraft type and plant culture you prefer.

How long does the hiring process take?

The typical timeline from process to job offer is four to eight weeks, depending on the role and how quickly you complete each step. Background checks can add two to four weeks after an offer is made. Some positions, especially those requiring security clearance, may take longer. You can ask the recruiter for an estimated timeline during your interview.