Lockheed Martin Comp and WLB
Have some friends at LM (non tech) who said they are needing software engineers. They are going to connect me directly to managers hiring to setup interviews. What is compensation like in Orlando? How is the WLB, specifically at the missile and fire control office? What’s the interview process like for a mid role? YOE: 4 TC: 90k
The worklife balance here isnt as great as everyone makes is seem. True, you will NEVER work more than 40 hours a week. And YES, we have flex schedule so u can come in/leave when u want as long as u get ur 40 hours. BUT in practice this sucks. 1) Slow work environment - literally every team ive been on doesnt have more than 10-15 hours of work to do. So u finish ur work and have to sit there doing nothing for the remaining 40 hours (if u can get a remote gig or hybrid ur chillin). 2) So many boomers here who literally come in at 5 AM and leave at 3 PM, so those of use who like to work a regular 9-5 or 10-6 are stuck doing nothing after they leave bc there seems to be a gatekeepimg of information. That or you need to shift your entire life schedule around to get in at 5-6 so u can keep somewhat occupied. The only positive is the amount of PTO u get, which is good. Also, no stigma about using it as long as you let your manager know. Overall tho, i think if ur a SWE u can get FAR better comp/WLB at another company
At 4 YOE you are probably looking to get a Software Engineer Sr role (Level 3) and they would probably offer you like $125k plus an annual target bonus of 5% but you may instead get offered a Software Engineer (Level 2 role) for more like $110k with a 3% target bonus. WLB will vary depending on the team and also will vary across time, but generally is pretty good. We work 4 day weeks, 10 hour days. Significant overtime requirements, especially unpaid overtime is pretty rare, and career advancement prospects are good if you are a solid performer. Overall, I highly recommend the company. Regarding interview process, by far the hardest thing is getting an interview. You can expect some mix of simple technical questions, questions about your background and skills, and possibly some behavioral questions mixed in. We tend to bring engineers in all at once in droves when big programs are starting, so your success may depend more on if you are hitting on a big hiring spree or not than if you have a super stellar interview.
Was told it might be a while before I’m able to get an interview. Is there a hiring freeze right now? Also, does LM offer sign on bonuses? If so, what would that sign on bonus look like?
There is a hiring freeze at the moment while the performance review process happens, but also in the space segment specifically there were layoffs announced last week so hiring freezes may be instituted to redeploy people anyway. Regarding signing bonuses, sometimes you might get a nominal bonus, but more likely to get them if you have a top secret clearance or have a highly specialized skillset like cyber or AI. At more junior levels you may be offered a relocation package that is just a flat amount that you can keep what you don’t spend.