Who is OJ Sanchez?

Quick facts

• Full name: Orlando Sanchez Jr.
• Known as: OJ Sanchez
• Current role: President, Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Education: B.S. in Economics, U.S. Air Force Academy; M.S. in Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; MBA, Naval Post Graduate School; Ancien of NATO Defense College, Rome
• Prior to Lockheed Martin: U.S. Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, command pilot with more than 2,100 flight hours in the F-22 and other aircraft

Their story

Sanchez joined Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in 2014 after serving as an officer and senior leader in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a combat fighter pilot with operational and program leadership roles. Among his Air Force assignments, he led the F-22 initial operational test team and the U.S. Air Force declaration of F-22 Initial Operational Capability in 2005. He is a command pilot whose flight hours span the F-22 and a range of other fighter and trainer aircraft.

What they have achieved

Since early 2025, Sanchez served as vice president and general manager of Skunk Works, Lockheed's advanced development organization focused on classified and next-generation air systems. Before leading Skunk Works, he oversaw the company's integrated fighter group, managing programs involving the F-16 and F-22.

As head of Skunk Works, Sanchez drove advanced technology development and integration across a diverse set of primarily classified military programs, tied to Skunk Works' guiding philosophy of Quick, Quiet, Quality.

Lockheed Martin named Sanchez president of its aeronautics business, succeeding Greg Ulmer, who retired after more than three decades with the company. In that senior role he has been a leader in key corporate initiatives including Golden Dome, integrated air and missile defense, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, and air and space integration.

In his own words

"I am honored to step into the role of president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and grateful for the trust placed in me. Aeronautics has an extraordinary legacy, a critical mission and some of the best talent in the industry, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation as we continue to deliver results that matter for our customers and our company," Sanchez said upon his appointment.

Worth knowing

Skunk Works is Lockheed Martin's secretive advanced development division, the same organization that produced the U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 Blackbird and the original stealth aircraft. It operates on a philosophy of small, elite teams working fast and quietly on the hardest problems in aerospace. Running it before moving to the top Aeronautics role is a significant proving ground: the programs there are classified, the stakes are high and the margin for error is close to zero. That background matters for understanding what Sanchez brings to a division responsible for some of the most consequential aircraft in U.S. and allied defense.

More veterans who made the leap

OJ Sanchez is one of 30 veterans who built remarkable civilian careers. Read all of their stories, and practical steps for leaving after a long career: How do I transition from the military to civilian work after 30 years?.