There's another issue here as well, which is that many of the tech folks who would be ok working for the government, even at reduced rates, cant get through the hiring morass that uncle sam puts up. The fed gov simply isnt set up to quickly acquired talent from industry. They also remain remarkably hidebound by old rules like requiring advanced degrees for senior positions.
For example, Naval Undersea Warfare Centers, Division Newport, had a job fair a few weeks ago. IIUC a number of attendees were given offers very soon after.
But NUWC is a DoD DEMO organization, so maybe it's easier for them than some other parts of the DoD.
And salary definitely is an issue. Even with the Boston pay scale, I think they have a hard salary cap for most software positions at about $150k + very small annual bonuses.
how many of those hires already had clearances and/or military experience?
you've got an active TS/SCI and we'll get you onboarded next week.
and if you don't... it'll be at least 6 months. and that's assuming people aren't too upset about ties to China, a polyamorous lifestyle, or how much weed you smoked.
FAANGs did a lot of stupid interview BS, whiteboarding and leet-code nonsense, but I got an offer letter a couple weeks after, or a rejection, and a start date a month later.
> how many of those hires already had clearances and/or military experience?
>
> you've got an active TS/SCI and we'll get you onboarded next week.
Defense contractors often want candidates to have an active clearance, but AFAIK that's not at all a requirement for DoD labs.
I'm guessing the contractors want to avoid the financial cost and scheduling uncertainty of applying for the clearance. Especially because the clearance follows a person when they change employers.
> and if you don't... it'll be at least 6 months.
I'm not sure where you got that information, but it doesn't match my experience. You get an interim (non-TS) clearance very quickly, and a permanent clearance eventually.
> and that's assuming people aren't too upset about ties to China, a polyamorous lifestyle, or how much weed you smoked.
I have no idea what exact criteria OPM uses for denying a clearance application.
But last I knew, DoD does do random drug testing. I'm not sure what the consequences are for failing a marijuana test, but it wouldn't shock me if it causes loss of clearance.
