FAQ

Who should apply to defense tech SWE roles if they lack prior security experience?
Only candidates who can demonstrate a concrete threat‑model project (e.g., a signed‑payload demo on a Raspberry Pi) and have studied the DoD‑STIG checklist will survive the risk rubric. No prior security experience is tolerated without that evidence.

How long does the interview loop usually last for a senior SWE at Lockheed Martin?
Four rounds over 21 days: a 60‑minute coding screen, a 90‑minute system design with risk assessment, a 45‑minute compliance deep‑dive, and a final 30‑minute culture interview. The loop compresses to three weeks, not months.

What compensation can a career changer realistically expect in 2024?
Base salary $165,000–$180,000, sign‑on $15,000–$25,000, and equity 0.02–0.04 % RSU for senior positions at Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, or Northrop Grumman. Bonuses are rare; mission‑critical incentives dominate.

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