Would you take a position with a big Defense Contractor or are they screwed?

[Anonymous]

Have the opportunity to jump from civilian to DIA from a small contractor to a large in software management.

Would you do it or avoid defense contractors right now?

[Anonymous]

I avoid government contractors or contract work in general.

I work for private companies.

Contracts end, or don't get renewed or get underbid.

Too much turmoil and uncertainty.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't say "screwed." There might be some general concerns, but I don't think the whole field is tanking.

I'm married to a contractor whose current contract is ending, but he's not really worried about it. The company wants him for other things. He has other opportunities elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

I am already a contractor for a small business would going to a larger big company (Lockhead, northrop, etc...) be more stable or would it be riskier?

[Anonymous]

Currently employed at a defense contractor.
I think it depends on the exact situation of the particular place you are looking. Keep in mind many of the larger contractors have multi-year, prefunded contracts. So the current fiscal environment is not fun, but it's not going to immediately affect our ability to keep the lights on.
Do your research. Also, make sure that if one program that you are hired for, tanks, that there is SOMETHING else in-house that you can easily transition to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Currently employed at a defense contractor.
I think it depends on the exact situation of the particular place you are looking. Keep in mind many of the larger contractors have multi-year, prefunded contracts. So the current fiscal environment is not fun, but it's not going to immediately affect our ability to keep the lights on.
Do your research. Also, make sure that if one program that you are hired for, tanks, that there is SOMETHING else in-house that you can easily transition to.

what are you raises like?

[Anonymous]

NP also employed at a defense contractor. PP gives good advice - make sure they have a contract lined up to staff you on and get specifics about the duration of the contract. I'd be very hesitant to work for a defense contractor right now. It's not a great environment. Plus with possible sequestration some clients are edgy/not thrilled with contractors who are perceived to make more money or be in a more secure position (often not the case).
Per the question about raises, at my company not great. Past two years most people got 1.5-3%.
Though I will say that with all the concerns about working for a defense contractor and so many people planning their exit strategies, if you can make it through the next couple of years you'll likely be well-positioned when things turn around. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I am a government contractor and my project just got cancelled today. Yes, today. So, after 6 years with this particular customer, I have 2 weeks to find a new project within my company or get into the unemployment line. Reason for cancellation - they are scared shitless of the upcoming sequestration. Out of 30 contractors they kept 5.

I am making lots of phone calls right now throughout my network and the word is not good. While I have great references and the customers overall loved me, I can't get a job thanks to our lovely fucking Congress. So if you see me at Macy's working at the cashier, don't be surprised.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a government contractor and my project just got cancelled today. Yes, today. So, after 6 years with this particular customer, I have 2 weeks to find a new project within my company or get into the unemployment line. Reason for cancellation - they are scared shitless of the upcoming sequestration. Out of 30 contractors they kept 5.

I am making lots of phone calls right now throughout my network and the word is not good. While I have great references and the customers overall loved me, I can't get a job thanks to our lovely fucking Congress. So if you see me at Macy's working at the cashier, don't be surprised.

Isn't it obama and the senate that want the defense cuts?

[Anonymous]

We're a good sized federal contractor with a couple thousand employees in the DC area. We're shedding jobs big time. Some niches are doing great and are hiring but overall our management expects federal contracting to take a hit this year followed by many years of stagnation. As a taxpayer, that's probably good. Not so good as an employee.

What's the future? Plastics! Seriously (driven by plentiful and cheap domestic natural gas)
http://www.fastcompany.com/3004694/americas-next-manufacturing-boom-one-word-plastics

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Currently employed at a defense contractor.
I think it depends on the exact situation of the particular place you are looking. Keep in mind many of the larger contractors have multi-year, prefunded contracts. So the current fiscal environment is not fun, but it's not going to immediately affect our ability to keep the lights on.
Do your research. Also, make sure that if one program that you are hired for, tanks, that there is SOMETHING else in-house that you can easily transition to.

what are you raises like?

Not the same poster but at my company (DOD contractor) our raises have been 0%-3% over the past few years for our project group. Promotions and job hopping are the options for getting more money and our internal mobility has ground to a halt.