Jeff Babione

Jeff Babione is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Sierra Space, having joined the executive team in spring of 2022. In his role as COO, Jeff oversees Sierra Space’s operations.

Jeff joins Sierra Space after a long career at Lockheed Martin, where he served most recently as Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works®, leading the famed division that developed some of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history including the U-2, SR-71, F-117, F-22 and the F-35.

Prior to Skunk Works, Jeff was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II program at Lockheed Martin, responsible for the development, production, sustainment and modernization of three F-35 variants for three U.S. military services, eight international partner nations and multiple foreign military sales customers. Jeff led the F-16 and F-22 programs prior to his work on the F-35, and served as Chief Engineer on the F-22 Raptor. He held a wide range of other engineering and leadership positions during his nearly 30-year career at Lockheed Martin.

Jeff holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Aerospace & Ocean Engineering.