Pros
* Very competitive pay for experienced engineers and good benefits for all * As an engineer, you fill a critical role on one or more aircraft platforms. Your job makes a difference that you can see. * If you demonstrate great performance, you will be promoted quickly * Fantastic advancement opportunities for engineers who have management career goals
Cons
* Bureaucracy is thick, typical of government stereotype but not much worse than at that large aerospace corporation in East Hartford, CT * Roles are primarily systems engineering (= project management), not many opportunities to exercise analytical skills. Your typical day is 50% phone calls and meetings, 50% writing specifications or evaluating documents from suppliers to ensure that work products meet requirements. However, opportunities exist to transfer to government R&D organizations. * Lots of travel, usually short notice (a plus if you enjoy being a road warrior)