r/defensecontracting

Currently a GS-14 at Fort Meade working on full stack software engineering stuff. I have other software experiencing including data engineering, AI integration etc. 10 years of experience since graduating college.

I have TS clearance and make around 150k. However, I feel like my skillset demands more pay. The problem is the GS scale lags behind private sector pay for tech and is slow to catch up. I don't even know if it will beat inflation in the future.

I would not leave the job security and benefits of federal employment unless I get at least 250k as a defense contractor. I imagine I would work within or around DC or in northern virginia, and would need this salary to afford a house there.

Tell me, how quick can I get a job in this market? How secure is it? How are pay and benefits? And do they offer hybrid schedule?

Note, I would like to stay in defense contracting software tech with a TS/SCI foe the job security; it is probably closest to federal employee job security.

Looking for insight and guidance. I have a TS/SCI, but I do healthcare, not IT. Anybody know of clearance jobs available in northern Indiana for people without tech experience? BAE, L3Harris, and Raytheon are over in Fort Wayne. That's drivable for me. We have the VA and I may apply there, but they don't pay like defense companies do.

I've contracted overseas for the last several years as direct bedside support and am just ready to settle down with the family and focus on raising the kids. I've looked on clearancejobs.com but most of those are IT.

Thanks for the insight!