Expert: David A. NewMyer - 6/4/2003

Question
What type of education and training would I need to be able to get a job at either the Skunk Works or Boeing Phantom Works and work on the advanced, secret aircraft in development? I would like to eventually work for one of those two companies doing aeronautical design and development.

Answer
Hi, David:

In general, the work performed in the Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin or in similar locations at Boeing would be engineering or science based.  A graduate degree (masters or doctorate) would likely be required.  Examples of degrees they would be seeking would be degrees in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, and, perhaps, Software Engineering.  The more qualified, the better.  If you want to go to one of these top secret locations to work, you had better apply from a degree program from a top school such as Stanford, MIT, etc.  This would especially be true if you did not have a prior military background.

In general, these jobs require a Top Secret Clearance and this implies that the vast majority of applicants are also ex-military and have held such a clearance in the past OR that you are so highly qualified in an area that they need, that the employer will spend the time and money needed to acquire your Top Secret Clearance for you. (see above section on where to go to school, and for what)

I am not sure about Lockheed Martin, but, you can go on the Boeing Website (www.boeing.com) and check on what jobs are currently available, and where.  This might give you an idea of what sorts of qualifications they are looking for.  All of Boeing's positions must be applied for on line.

Also, you might check out the Engineering Section of "Air Jobs Digest," a monthly newspaper-format publication that lists aviation job openings.  Subscriptions are available by calling: 1-800-AIR-JOBS and the cost is $49 for three months and $69 for six months.

Thanks for the question and good luck to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.