I have some questions to ask you in regards to engineering jobs in general. I am 45, and will be 46 in August '08. I graduated in December 2005 with a BS in physics with a minor in math and GPA of 2.3. In 1999, I graduated with an AAS in electronics engineering technology. This is in addition to 10.5 years experience in the Navy--working as an interior communications electrician--and 5 years working with a civilian microwave filter company rounds out the meat of my technical career.
I still have not got a job in the engineering field, and frankly am starting to get a little concerned but still remain confident and will continue to do so.
I want to stay within the federal government if possible. When you add my military and USPS time up towards retirement it comes out to about 21 years, but I plan on working a long time.
What do you recommend and/or what would be your first priority in my situation towards getting an engineering job? Should I work on getting a PE certification? Where?
Well Robert, you're facing the same situation as many people in your age bracket: what to do next?
Here's an idea that might suit both your experience and your desire to stay with government work: the defense industry.
According to a recent article in Forbes, "The job market for security-cleared professionals in the defense, aerospace and homeland security areas is wide open, as it has been ever since Sept. 11, 2001. The number of such jobs has only grown since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began. There simply aren't enough skilled workers to fill them."
You may not have security clearance yet, but I think your background will give you a heads-up on getting approved.
Military jobs are location-dependent, and I'm not sure where you're based, but if you're near a major defense contractor or base, or if you are willing to locate, this could be a good fit for you.
Let us know how it goes!
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