Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
(OP)
I'm trying to figure out the major differences between a uniformed Military Engineer (Air Force in particular) and a Civilian Engineer working for the military. Not so much benefits and requirements and all that, but differences in job function. I ask because I am highly interested in becoming a Flight Test Engineer and I see that Edwards AFB is big on both civilian and military engineers. I graduate a year from now, so this is no idle speculation.
One of my friends is a civilian engineer at Hill AFB who highly recommends civilian engineering, my uncle is a retired Navy Captain who highly recommends military, and my cousin is a Navy Nuke who... I haven't spoken to now that I think about it. I'm just trying to get a more rounded view of the matter.
One of my friends is a civilian engineer at Hill AFB who highly recommends civilian engineering, my uncle is a retired Navy Captain who highly recommends military, and my cousin is a Navy Nuke who... I haven't spoken to now that I think about it. I'm just trying to get a more rounded view of the matter.





RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
Can't speak for the US.
In the UK, civilians tend to get opportunities to play across a much wider range of disciplines than their counterparts in uniform do - especially in terms of the type of project/equipment they engage with.
At the other extreme, they also tend to have more opportunities to stay in the one place and become deep specialists.
People in uniform get their variety more from the circumstances under which they sometimes get to do their engineering.
A.
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
While there are bound to be exceptions, these days if you want to do actual engineering I'd suggest going civil.
Plus in the military, just because you joined so you could work at Edwards doesn't mean you'll actually get to - you'll probably get put where it suits them.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
I have often heard that military engineers are more military than engineer, I feel okay with that - the more engineering work I do (two internships, structures and petroleum) the more I feel like a highly specialized businessman... Maybe it's the suit. I should get a lab coat ;)
Thanks all for your input
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
It's very reassuring to know that whichever path I find myself upon I'll be getting a great experience.
The story so far:
In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
RE: Military Engineer vs Civilian Engineer working for military
Point being here, only for a very select few in the actove service will you ever get the chance to actually do engineerng. Most of it has already been figured out using charts and tables from some TM.
If you actually want to do engineering, real engineering, the civilian road would give you a much better chance. No guarantees, just a better chance. Go the GS rating approach.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering