[treebeard5440]

> My main focus is in Embedded Systems Software and it’s something I’m really passionate about.

Not entirely what you’re asking but if you decide to go the job route try applying at all of the major defense contractors (Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, etc). I work for one and the embedded software skillset is highly desired and hard to hire for. You will likely have to be okay with relocation and working onsite in a classified environment at least part of the time but the job prospects should be much better than tech companies and the work very applicable to your focus

[xMichael24]

Yeah defense contractors are a route I’ve been considering. I’ve sent out applications to a few but haven’t heard back yet. Thank you for the suggestion!

[b20000]

do any of these companies pay well? they just all seem to pay way below what you can make at FAANG

[treebeard5440]

Way below what you’d make at FAANG is absolutely correct. Salaries are not competitive with top-tier tech companies. Not everyone wants to work at FAANG though. Depending on what you value though the lower salary can be offset by some of the other benefits. Work life balance tends to be really good - rarely do I ever go over 40 hours a week but if I do I get paid overtime even though I’m salaried. You can also usually arrange to work a flexible schedule like 4/10’s (10 hrs a day M-Th and every Friday off) or 9/80’s (9 hours a day, 8 on the working Friday and every other Friday off). 401K and medical benefits are also very good. Job security for engineers tends to be high - especially compared to FAANG with their recent series of layoffs. Even if FAANG is your ultimate goal, working for a few years at a defense contractor will not hurt your chances of future employment there.