Lead, F-22, or F-35?

moo · April 28th, 2007, 01:40 AM

Well, here is my dilema.........

Right now I am the lead engineer on a US military legacy system. For the past week, I have been heavily recruited for an engineer job on the F-22. In the next couple years there will be many positions open up on the F-35 (Joint Strike Fighter) for which I will have a job if I want. What should I do? Being a LEAD engineer has it's benefits. However........F-22 or JSF.......come on! I am torn. Any inputs?

The Real Bingo · April 28th, 2007, 01:42 AM

F-22 is strictly Air Force, right? I'd go with the JSF since it'll probably be the plane throughout the military in a few decades.

tony_j15 · April 28th, 2007, 01:45 AM

check out both. see which team will be more fun to work with.

Mike · April 28th, 2007, 01:46 AM

My dad, who was an electronics engineer on military aircraft in the Marines and Air Force, said that he thinks the JSF would be the better career choice for later down the road.

(That is assuming you want to remain in the military. If not, do whichever one will be more fun.

)

BBA · April 28th, 2007, 01:58 AM

Definitely see which team you get along with best. Both fighters are good for longevity...but you would not be happy working with a team full of jerks.

super gerbil · April 28th, 2007, 02:01 AM

haha, I do not know what your choice should be but what I do know is that you are one lucky gal.

Dj-Icer · April 28th, 2007, 04:14 AM

Whatever makes you happy and comfortable with.

Think about in the long term. How is it going to be in the long term and etc. Perhaps you could ask the seniors about how was their experience

outlaw2001it · April 28th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Hello,
If you work on the F22 most likely you'll be working with Americans only. If you go on the team with the JSF you'll probably working with a team made of people from all around Europe, and the United States. Take Care.

moo · April 28th, 2007, 09:19 AM

As far as the people go........I already work with alot of them. The F-22 is part of my squadron right now. In a couple years, both F-22 and F-35 will break off to be their own squadron. What they are doing is hiring people they know have the experience with similar systems and then they will hire outside when they have harvested all they can from within. If I want to switch, I pretty much have the job. It would start as a contractor and then potentially go to a GS position. Which is another question altogether. I am trying to get out of being a contractor and go GS for the stability. After three years as a contractor, it takes an act of congress to fire you. How is THAT for job security?! Not to mention that my military time counts towards my retirement. If they could offer me a GS job on the F-35, I think that would be the choice for me. Maybe I could rack up a year or so as the Lead Engineer on my current system and then make the switch..............
Martoch and I have exactly the opposite problem when it comes to jobs. His career field is saturated and his opportunities are severley limited where my opportunities are flooded.
Hear that kids?
Go engineering.............

**RobRich** · April 28th, 2007, 09:35 AM

Well, my advice depends on whichever plane you can more easily fit on a treadmill.