Lockheed Martin Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace, defense, and security company known for its innovative technology and commitment to solving complex challenges in national security and civilian markets.

As a Product Manager at Lockheed Martin, you will play a pivotal role in the development and delivery of new products and capabilities. Your primary responsibilities will include collaborating with Agile software teams and stakeholders to ensure that product requirements are met, managing project backlogs, and facilitating effective communication across various organizational functions. You will also be responsible for defining and analyzing product metrics, coaching team members on software development processes, and implementing improvements based on feedback and evaluations. A successful candidate will have a strong background in Agile methodologies, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration, as well as excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.

This guide will equip you with the insights and information needed to excel in your interview for the Product Manager position at Lockheed Martin, highlighting both technical and behavioral competencies that align with the company's values and mission.

The interview process for a Product Manager at Lockheed Martin is designed to assess both technical and behavioral competencies, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and operational needs. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is a phone screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Lockheed Martin. Expect questions that gauge your understanding of the role and the company, as well as your ability to articulate your career goals and relevant experiences.

2. Behavioral Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates often participate in a behavioral interview. This stage is typically conducted via video call and involves a series of questions aimed at understanding how you handle various work situations. Interviewers will likely use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to evaluate your past experiences, particularly in areas such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

3. Technical Interview

For Product Manager roles, a technical interview may follow the behavioral assessment. This interview focuses on your understanding of Agile methodologies, product lifecycle management, and software development processes. You may be asked to explain your experience with Agile frameworks, how you prioritize product backlogs, and your approach to gathering requirements from stakeholders. While the technical rigor may not be as intense as in engineering roles, a solid grasp of relevant concepts is essential.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview, which includes multiple interviewers from different functions within the organization. This format allows the team to assess how well you can communicate and collaborate across various departments. Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions, as well as discussions about your previous projects and how they relate to the role you are applying for.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often involves a conversation with senior management or executives. This interview is less about technical skills and more about cultural fit and alignment with Lockheed Martin's mission and values. You may be asked about your long-term career aspirations, how you handle challenges, and your vision for the role within the company.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your experience in Agile environments and your ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Next, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Emphasize Your Agile Experience

Given the importance of Agile methodologies in the role of a Product Manager at Lockheed Martin, be prepared to discuss your experience in Agile environments. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented Agile practices, your role in cross-functional teams, and how you contributed to product development cycles. Use concrete examples to illustrate your understanding of Agile principles and how they can drive product success.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

The interview process at Lockheed Martin tends to focus heavily on behavioral questions. Familiarize yourself with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively. Reflect on your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced, how you navigated them, and what you learned from those experiences.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Product Manager, strong communication skills are essential. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated with stakeholders, gathered requirements from development teams, and presented product visions. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to lead and align teams towards common goals.

Understand the Company Culture

Lockheed Martin values collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Research the company’s mission and recent projects to understand its culture better. Be ready to discuss how your values align with those of Lockheed Martin and how you can contribute to their mission. Showing that you are a good cultural fit can significantly enhance your candidacy.

Be Ready for Technical Discussions

While the focus may be on behavioral questions, some technical knowledge is still relevant, especially regarding software development processes and metrics. Brush up on your understanding of software development lifecycles, Agile frameworks, and any relevant tools or technologies you’ve used. Be prepared to discuss how you have utilized metrics to drive process improvements in past roles.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding the team and the challenges they face. Inquire about the specific Agile practices they employ, how they measure success in product management, or what the biggest challenges are for the team currently. This will demonstrate your engagement and strategic thinking.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to Lockheed Martin's mission and success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Product Manager interview at Lockheed Martin. The interview process will likely focus on your experience with Agile methodologies, product management, and your ability to work collaboratively across teams. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to product development and customer needs.

Behavioral Questions

1. Can you describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project? How did you overcome it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on the specific actions you took to resolve the challenge.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a major delay in product delivery due to unforeseen technical issues. I organized a series of cross-functional meetings to identify the root cause and collaborated with the engineering team to develop a revised timeline. As a result, we not only met the new deadline but also improved our communication processes for future projects.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to manage conflict.

How to Answer

Discuss the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome, emphasizing your communication and leadership skills.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my concerns in a constructive manner. By actively listening and finding common ground, we were able to collaborate more effectively, which ultimately improved our project outcomes.”

3. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question gauges your organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization process, including any tools or frameworks you use to manage your workload effectively.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use a project management tool to visualize deadlines and dependencies, which helps me allocate resources effectively. For instance, during a recent product launch, I focused on critical path tasks first while ensuring that my team was aligned on priorities.”

4. Describe a time when you had to gather requirements from stakeholders. How did you ensure their needs were met?

This question assesses your stakeholder management and communication skills.

How to Answer

Detail your approach to gathering requirements, including how you engaged stakeholders and ensured their feedback was incorporated.

Example

“I conducted a series of workshops with stakeholders to gather their requirements for a new software feature. I used techniques like user story mapping to visualize their needs and ensure alignment. By following up with prototypes, I was able to incorporate their feedback effectively, leading to a successful product launch.”

5. What metrics do you consider when evaluating the success of a product?

This question tests your understanding of product metrics and performance evaluation.

How to Answer

Discuss specific metrics you track and how they relate to product success, including customer satisfaction and business impact.

Example

“I focus on metrics such as user engagement, customer satisfaction scores, and revenue growth. For instance, after launching a new feature, I monitored user adoption rates and conducted surveys to gather feedback, which helped us iterate and improve the product further.”

Technical Questions

1. How do you approach product development in an Agile environment?

This question evaluates your understanding of Agile methodologies and how you apply them in practice.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with Agile practices, including how you facilitate collaboration and adapt to changes.

Example

“I embrace Agile principles by conducting regular stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. I ensure that the team is aligned on goals and that we are responsive to changes in customer feedback. This approach has allowed us to deliver incremental value and continuously improve our products.”

2. Can you explain the role of a Product Manager in the Agile Release Train (ART)?

This question assesses your knowledge of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and your role within it.

How to Answer

Discuss the responsibilities of a Product Manager within an ART, emphasizing collaboration and alignment with stakeholders.

Example

“As a Product Manager in an ART, I act as the voice of the customer, ensuring that the team understands their needs. I prioritize the program backlog and work closely with the Solution Train to align our objectives with the overall program vision, facilitating effective communication across teams.”

3. What tools do you use for product management and tracking progress?

This question gauges your familiarity with product management tools and methodologies.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used and how they have helped you manage projects effectively.

Example

“I have experience using tools like JIRA for tracking progress and managing backlogs, as well as Confluence for documentation and collaboration. These tools help me maintain transparency and keep all stakeholders informed about project status.”

4. How do you handle changes in project scope?

This question evaluates your adaptability and change management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to managing scope changes, including communication with stakeholders and impact assessment.

Example

“When faced with scope changes, I assess the impact on timelines and resources. I communicate with stakeholders to understand the rationale behind the change and facilitate discussions on prioritization. This ensures that we remain aligned on project goals while adapting to new requirements.”

5. Describe your experience with product lifecycle management.

This question assesses your understanding of the product lifecycle and your experience managing it.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with different stages of the product lifecycle and how you have contributed to each phase.

Example

“I have managed products through all stages of the lifecycle, from ideation to retirement. For example, during the launch phase of a new product, I coordinated marketing efforts and gathered user feedback to inform future iterations. This holistic approach has helped me ensure that products meet market needs throughout their lifecycle.”