Trying to Leave Defense for Tech Jobs

Millennium Space Systems
Otjz11

Millennium Space Systems

Otjz11
Jul 22, 2020 40 Comments

Hey Sorry long Post. I have been working in defense for 7 years and I am not happy. I don’t enjoy the culture or the old ways of thinking just a lot of bloat and slowed down timelines and outdated tech. We are all on a slow march to mediocrity. I have been trying to apply at basically every company that does anything fun or cool. Im talking maybe 300+ applications had a few interviews. But I feel FAANG and others look down on defense? Boeing Northrop Lockheed ect and I never get a fair chance. Does anyone have any advise for people trying to break out of government work into the wide open tech world? If its relevent I am in Information Security/Risk and Compliance/technical account management/ Project Management.

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TOP 40 Comments
  • This seems to be the common theme. Nobody wants to stay in defense.
    Jul 23, 2020 14
    • Hey Microsoft, which team is that? Are you looking for Secret or TS? I’d love to get my foot in the door with MSFT.
      Jul 29, 2020
    • I’m on azure security but there’s a lot of cleared work across multiple teams! Mainly azure though and some O365. I think the recruiters are mainly looking for TS, but I’d check the career website and search for CTJ positions (cleared technology jobs). DM if you have any questions/want a referral
      Jul 29, 2020
  • Boeing
    wak3up

    Go to company page Boeing

    wak3up
    I was in Boeing defense for 3 years before moving to Salesforce w/ other offers too so it's not impossible. Referrals help the most.
    Jul 22, 2020 7
    • Boeing
      wak3up

      Go to company page Boeing

      wak3up
      I used Boeing to get my OMSCS. I'm pretty sure companies don't look down on military service. For me, the hardest part was getting past the resume screening and that's where referrals come in
      Jul 25, 2020
    • Boeing
      tzeA22

      Go to company page Boeing

      tzeA22
      Yeah I’m hoping to do OMSCS and currently working on BS CS, applied to OMSCS but not sure if I’ll get accepted and at least it wouldn’t be too bad to eat the cost for the 2 year retention period. Kinda surprised referrals were key with OMSCS on the resume
      Jul 25, 2020
  • Panasonic Avionics
    LazyWorker

    Go to company page Panasonic Avionics

    BIO
    I do sales. I sell stuff. It’s what I do.
    LazyWorker
    Now that I have a young family, wlb is of utmost importance to me. But if you’re young and ambitious, do get out and work hard. I did the same, burned out.. now in defense and enjoying every minute of it. Especially how slow it is
    Jul 23, 2020 4
  • Boeing
    tzeA22

    Go to company page Boeing

    tzeA22
    It’s such a shame bc I always thought engineering was a cool profession but then you start work and you barely do anything technical and you feel like a warm body for mediocre pay when you know you’re capable of so much more. I was thinking about giving Blue Origin or SpaceX a shot before leaving the industry but I’ve lost faith in them from reading a lot of horror stories
    Jul 22, 2020 1
    • Blue Origin is pretty cool as they really try to separate themselves from Bezo’s and Amazon. Depends on the team like any company. I can tell you from the guys I know that work there they are all really innovative thinkers
      Aug 4, 2020
  • SentinelOne
    OUjq48

    SentinelOne

    OUjq48
    I left defense after 14 years..if you are in security..get a good grip on disa stigs, vulnerability mgmt, risk assessment. If you can, read and underatand nist 800-53rev5..you can easily do fedramp..get cissp as well..hit me up if you wanna chat more.. vertical silos at defense do not help at commercial companies
    Jul 22, 2020 0