Obtaining an engineering career in US defense.

[fbdrm]

Hey,
I am currently a sophomore in college and on my way obtaining a mechanical engineering degree. Since I can remember I have always wanted work with large military equipment such as tanks, humvees, and other military vehicles. I just wanted to know what is the best path to take after college to get into this field. I was reading a previous post and it suggested that having military experience with the equipment was a plus. I have always been interested about joining the military, I just never thought that it would be something that I would actually do or help me with my career.
I also realize that I am a sophomore in college and I still have two years to decide what to do with my life, but I’m just curious of some opinions of the best way to obtain a career in this field.

 

[KENAT]

First things first, are you eligible for a security clearance?

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[fbdrm]

Thanks KENAT for replying.
I’m not sure exactly what I need to be eligible for security clearance. I was born in the US so I am citizen. But other than that I’m not sure what I need to have.

 

[KENAT]

Being a US citizen is probably the biggest thing, if you do a web search on it you can find out more.

I was in defence in the UK. Now I'm in the US I'm working outside the field at least until I can get citizenship.

So I'm not sure I can tell you much more as the US defence industry seems quite different to UK.

Will say I enjoyed it though.



KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[IRstuff]

Citizenship, no criminal record, ability to account for your history and residences, etc. all make it easier to get a clearance.

You'll need to study strength of materials, structural analysis, etc.

I don't see any impediments. The Future Combat Systems program will be ongoing for at least a decade, barring outright cancellation.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[fbdrm]

Yea I looked at eligibility for security clearance online and basically you just have to be a US citizen and have no serious arrests or felonies. So I’m basically eligible to get security clearance. But anyhow I just really would like to get in this field so I just wanted some advice on how to get there, and getting security clearance is probably an important part of it so thanks for your input.

 

[swertel]

The big name aerospace/defence contractors are always looking for cheap labor.

Start browsing the internet for military equipment you think you would like to work with. Find out who makes those. Go to their websites and don't forget to check the careers page. Most places won't list internships, but some do. You may be too young for an internship, but it never hurts to apply assuming your ego can handle the rejections.

--Scott

http://wertel.eng.pro

 

[KENAT]

Not sure it would work in the US but I got my first UK Job in aerospace/defence by contacting every aerospace/defence company that looked interesting.

I got a directory of British Aerospace companies and sent my resume & a targetted cover letter to each of the ones that looked interesting.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[IRstuff]

I'm not sure what you're looking for.

As a new graduate, the requirements are essentially the same for defense jobs and anything else; good grades, good track record, good personal skills, etc.

As indicated above, you need to take classes that will emphasize applicability to the design jobs that you're looking for.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[reidh]

Just my opinion, but I would not hedge any future employment aspirations on the FCS program. Make sure that the health of the company your are applying to doesn't hinge on the success of the FCS program (i.e they have other contracts).

The FCS program is already being shrunk, and will probably shrink further in the future.

-Reidh

 

[mshimko]

1. Get a good, well reounded engineering degree from an ABET certified institution and program.

2. Don't do anything "stupid" that would make it difficult to get a security clearance. That is, don't build up huge debts from illegal gambling; don't get involved with drugs or other illegal activity; don't try to get additional training from any known terrorist group; etc.

3. If possible try t get an intern position at a DOD engineering firm, or better yet, with the government. This isn't essential, but will make it much easier for you when you graduate (moastly because you'll already KNOW more about the industry).

With the exception of the security clearnace concerns, this is no difference than any other industry.

 

[Twoballcane]

Just to give you an edge, being in ROTC or inate knoledge of military equipment (tanks, planes, ships, missils,...etc), some knowledg of how the millitary works can help out in the interview process.

As for academics in Mechanical Engineering, it depends on what you want to do. There are (generally speaking) two areas you can work in, either in design or analysis. If design, well the problem is that you wont really learn how to desing until you start working, but if you have any classes that focus on hands on builds, take it. For analysis, all of your theoretical class (static, vibration, heat trnasfer, fluids, materials) will saffice.

Good luck!

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[BJC]

Sign on the dotted line.

http://www.goarmy.com/banner/28/banner.jsp?bnrcd=9199-ITBP-R1NA-07012007-28-07021-TEXTAD

 

[MechanicalChef]

Back when I was in school, Oshkosh Truck hired a lot of interns and grads. Try applying to them.

 

[Heckler]

4. Make sure you have good credit. LM checked my credit report along with the typical drug tests before they gave me an offer letter.

Then get ready to account for your entire life after age 18. If you have any run ins with the law as a minor that have been sealed....don't hide them. Their is no cavity that safe from a security clearance check.

5. Make sure you use good quality friends as references on your application. You don't want your friends cracking under the pressure of the investigation....did he inhale or did he just pass that dub.

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001

o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

"Avoid the base hypocrisy of condemning in one man what you pass over in silence when committed by another." -- Theodor

 

[jjg1ttes]

focus on getting yourself an internship at Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, AM General, or the like, perhaps even a smaller DoD contractor.

see where the military stuff gets built. get a chance to see what military technical data (i.e. blue prints & specs) really looks like. That should give you an idea about where it comes from.

If you wanna work on cutting edge stuff in the Military, you'll have to be good. Otherwise you could end up stuck in a pretty boring position that you can't quit. If you end up in a dead-end job in the private sector you can always look for something else.Design is a very competitive field, and lots of new grads want that work. If you've got good CAD skills, perhaps think about beefing up your manufacturing & business know-how. Project management, manufacturing methods, material acquisiting and procurement skills will set you apart.

 

[KENAT]

Good point jjg1ttes, for a design position in defense a good knowledge of ASME Y14.100, especially 14.5M will put you ahead of most graduates. Hang out on the GD&T forum here if nothing else.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...