Hey everyone, looking for some perspective from those in the defense/aerospace industry. To preface I used AI to help me write this in a way that makes sense.
I’m a 24M Mechanical Engineer (graduated 2023) currently working for the government as an engineer. I’ve been there about 2 years. I recently interviewed with Lockheed Martin for a role I’ve wanted. They moved incredibly fast—called me the next day with an offer.
The Problem:
After running the numbers, I’m leaning toward turning it down, and it feels like a massive "failing upward" moment or a huge mistake.
Here’s the breakdown:
• Pay: It’s a lateral move. Because of LM's pay bands, even at the high end, it’s basically what I make now.
• The "Tenure" Trap: I am exactly 6 months away from hitting my 3-year tenure/milestone at my gov job. If I leave now, I forfeit thousands in 401k matching and lose my permanent reinstatement eligibility.
• Logistics: I’d have to move far from family and break a lease with about 6 months left on it. They offered relocation assistance, but it still would be a net financial loss or a "break-even" at best.
• Timeline: They want someone to start ASAP, and I’m realizing I can’t realistically uproot my life that fast for zero pay increase.
The Conflict:
I really want the LM brand name on my resume. I feel like it opens doors that gov work doesn't. I’ve had good luck with interviews lately(10-15 interviews and 2 offers in 6 months), but local private-sector roles in my high-demand area haven't been biting as much.
Am I overthinking the "milestones" at my current job? Is it worth taking a financial hit and moving away from family just to get a Defense Prime on my resume early in my career, or should I wait the 6 months until I’m "vested" and my lease is up?
TL;DR: Got an offer from a dream company (Lockheed), but it's lateral pay, requires an immediate far move away from family, and I’d lose 401k matching/tenure by leaving 6 months too early. What would you do?