SHORTAGE OF ENGINEERS - A U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVE

摘要

The ability of U.S. defense contractors to attract, and retain qualified engineers has become increasingly difficult over the past decade with no relief visible in the foreseeable future. Many defense related programs push leading edge and bleeding-edge technologies and processes, thus seemingly creating an industry possessing a natural inclination for engineers to join and remain throughout their careers. However, a collision of three factors has kept this from being a reality. These factors (reference figure below) involve: an evolving business model for defense contractors, rapidly evolving technology and the diffusion of that technology, and the assimilation of the first truly digital generation into the workforce. These factors provide the catalyst for the perfect storm. This portends the inability for the U.S. Government and its supporting defense contractor base to maintain those systems necessary for its national defense.