Lockheed taps former DARPA director to be CTO

Lockheed Martin has named Steven Walker, the former director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, chief technology officer.

The company said Walker, who was named DARPA director in 2017, "will act as our liaison to science and technology communities in the U.S. and internationally, as well as manage strategic relationships with our partners and stakeholders to ensure the maturation and deployment of advanced technologies."

"He will also oversee corporate [independent research and development] projects and coordinate certain Business Area IRAD investments," Lockheed added.

Walker's hiring was first reported by Reuters.

Keoki Jackson, who has served as Lockheed's CTO for five years, has been named chief engineer and vice president of engineering and program operations.

Lockheed said Jackson "will oversee corporate program performance, mission success and functional excellence."

"The six corporate councils (Engineering and Technology, Program Management, Production Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sustainment) will report through this organization, as will the Chief Data and Analytics organization," the company added. Jackson "will also assist in assessing technical and programmatic issues in support of the Business Areas, and providing program assist teams as required."