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Lockheed Martin has a strong and lasting relationship with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), reflecting our dedication to empowering women. We actively support female engineers at every stage of their careers by providing a workplace that champions growth, development, and equal opportunity. At Lockheed Martin, women are part of a community where they can connect with mentors, overcome challenges, and pursue meaningful achievements in engineering.
Our commitment to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment is demonstrated through the many benefits available to all our employees, from comprehensive development programs to mentorship opportunities.
As part of our mission to support women, we also highlight our returnship program, Chapter Next, which is designed to help professionals re-enter the workforce after a career break.
Chapter Next: A Returnship Program for a Fresh Start
Returning to the workforce after a career break can be daunting, but Lockheed Martin’s Chapter Next program is designed to make the transition easier.
Chapter Next is a unique opportunity that allows experienced professionals to re-engage in their careers after taking a break of one year or more. Participants join a 12- to 16-week paid returnship where they are matched with roles that align with their skills and expertise, while also receiving comprehensive training, professional development, and networking opportunities to support their transition.
Since its inception, Chapter Next has helped close to 100 individuals successfully re-enter the workforce and relaunch their careers. Each participant brings a unique story, contributing to the program’s success and demonstrating the true impact of a supportive return-to-work environment.
Jennifer
After a 20-year career break spent raising her family, Jennifer re-entered the workforce. Having previously worked for Lockheed Martin, she knew this was the right place to start her job search, and Chapter Next provided the perfect opportunity.
Jennifer transitioned smoothly into her new role as a control account manager, leveraging her skills in organization and multitasking gained from her experience as a daycare caregiver.
She describes the environment at Lockheed Martin as collaborative and supportive, stating, “Chapter Next gives you all of the tools, mentorship, and resources needed for a smooth transition.”
Samantha
After starting her career with Lockheed Martin in 2003, senior systems engineer Samantha had to step away in 2012 for medical reasons. Following an eight-year break, she returned through the Chapter Next program, which provided the training, mentorship, and support needed for a smooth reintegration.
Now fully back in her role, Samantha applies both her extensive experience and the fresh perspective gained during her returnship.
Samatha’s advice to those returning to the workforce is simple: “It’s going to be hard. Adjusting to a new normal is always hard. Whether you’re a new mom who’s been home for many years, or you’ve been sick, or you’re taking care of someone who is, you’re not the same person that you were when you left the workforce — that’s okay. Don’t try to be the same person. You’ll drive yourself crazy. Focus on being the best version of the new you, and you will be amazing.”
Marni
After graduate school, Marni accepted her dream role in espionage within the intelligence community. She worked in that capacity for seven years before shifting her priorities to raising her children for the next 20 years.
Once her children were grown, Marni was ready to re-enter the workforce, though the path forward was uncertain. Then she discovered Lockheed Martin’s Chapter Next program. Through this returnship, she found a new professional home as an integrated program planner, receiving support every step of the way from her mentors and managers.
Marni successfully transitioned to full-time employment, applying skills from her previous career as well as invaluable life skills gained through motherhood, such as time management, multitasking, and adaptability. As she put it, “Employees returning to the workforce can be a huge asset for any company, and I love that Lockheed Martin recognizes this.”
A Place of Support and Inspiration
At Lockheed Martin, we are committed to supporting women at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out, advancing in your field, or seeking to return to the workforce after a career break, we provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Our programs, like Chapter Next, are designed to bridge the gap and offer a supportive community for women looking to relaunch their careers. We recognize that the diversity of experiences and life skills that women bring to our teams are invaluable assets that drive innovation and success.
Lockheed Martin isn’t just a great place to work for women — it’s a place where careers flourish and support is always within reach. Our longstanding partnership with SWE is a testament to our dedication to advancing opportunities for women. Together, we strive to create an environment where women feel empowered, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Discover what makes life at Lockheed Martin unique and why women thrive here.
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SWE Blog provides up-to-date information and news about the Society and how our members are making a difference every day. You’ll find stories about SWE members, engineering, technology, and other STEM-related topics.
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