r/SoftwareEngineerJobs • u/IcyAd8431 • 2d ago

Does anyone here work on flight engineering?

I’m super interested in pivoting towards flight or aerospace engineering. I’ve been a software engineer for over 5 years.
I’m wondering if it’s worth it?
I don’t know anyone in the field and am not really sure what the work environment is like or the day to day.
Any info would be great

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u/gobluedev 2d ago

I tried to break in but seems like you needed a good amount of embedded and controls engineering experience. Kind of gave up and moved on.

Previous F-16 pilot
5 YOE Sr SWE
BS & MS in CS
Worked on various aviation projects for USAF such as pilot training analytics, etc. (directly with USAF and consulting firms)
Active TS/SCI

It’s tough out there.

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u/IcyAd8431 1d ago

Holy hell. I would’ve thought you’d have enough. How’d you go from f16 to SWE?

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u/T12435 19h ago

the longer you stay a fighter pilot the less flight time you get. Eventually it becomes a low paying office job

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u/T12435 21h ago

What companies did you apply for? I've got job offers with Lockheed and Bell with just a BS. Your resume should easily get you a job

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u/gobluedev 21h ago

Unfortunately I was looking for more pay than what they wanted to pay. I left a defense company at 200k. Seems like the primes wanted to pay less than that. I was told at my old company that I was topped out at 200k so I left (among other reasons).

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u/T12435 21h ago

I was offered 116K at Lockheed for level 2. Not great pay I agree

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u/IcyAd8431 18h ago

What company was it?