Question: how does a software developer enter this industry? For pretty much all other industries it's easy to find documentation / examples / open source software, but obviously the war industry is much more secretive. What are good resources to get an idea of the industry from a developer perspective?
Build up your experience with Java, Spring Boot, MySql, Angular, React, and AWS; and build up your LinkedIn profile with these said skills until the recruiters for government contractors start messaging you.
To get into the cool defense/offense projects, you’ve got to get an offer on a project that is classified as secret/top secret with full scope poly.
There are a ton of TS jobs out there for hire right now; unfortunately you have to find a contractor who is willing to pay the fee and sponsor you on a new clearance.
Finding someone who will sponsor you right now is difficult for some reason; but once you get one, you have a ton of leverage within the government contracting space.
1) Get a relevant education (software engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, control engineering, math and physics, etc.)
2) Apply for a job either with contractors (Raytheon, Lockheed, Boeing, etc.) or go directly to the state/military.
That's about it. You'll have to get a security clearance, but other than that it's very much a standard A4 type of job. Possibly lots of travel, though.
