Diversity/Careers in Engineering and Information Technology, August/September 2003

Defense technology steps up to the challenge
Hiring for defense and homeland security looks to remain strong for the next five to ten years.
“It’s where all the new projects will be happening,” says an industry participant

By Skip Waugh
Contributing Editor

In today's changed world, the work of defense contractors, along with the government agencies they serve, has taken on a new urgency. The challenge of updating existing weapons, battle management and intelligence systems, and developing the next generation, means workforce growth at defense contractors.
"The market is starting to break loose now," says Debbie Banko. Banko is president of Link Technologies (Las Vegas, NV), an IT and engineering consulting firm that works with the departments of defense (DOD), energy, and transportation.

With defense budgets finalized for fiscal 2004, which starts in October, defense technology should take off, says Banko. The job market for IT people and engineers - soft in the commercial sector - should get a boost from increased DOD spending.

"It's where all the new projects will be happening, especially when it comes to technology," Banko says.
In fact, the next five to ten years promise to be strong ones for defense hiring. Companies will be looking for the best talent in the marketplace, and techies will have the chance to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the welfare of their country.