Six months after it let go 500 employees, Lockheed Martin is shedding about 200 additional jobs as it prepares to separate and merge its IT services business with Leidos, according to a company spokesman.
The cuts affect the Bethesda-based company’s Information Systems and Global Solutions segment, and comes as the Bethesda-based contractor has renewed its focus on the warfighting machines, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter it builds for the Pentagon.
Earlier this year, the world’s largest defense contractor announced it would combine its IT services business with Leidos in a $5 billion deal. Lockheed shareholders would receive 50.5 percent of the venture with Leidos owning the balance. Leidos would run the combined company, and Lockheed would hold three seats on its board.
Dan Nelson, Lockheed’s communications director, said that the additional cuts were necessary in order for the company “to remain competitive-that’s the bottom line.” The company did not announce the reductions in a press release but confirmed them once contacted. Nelson said that “less than 200” would be let go from positions around the world.