Looking for a Steady Engineering Career? Why Not Try the Military?

While many young engineers dream of working for a top-tier private company or startup, working for the military conjures up notions of outdated tech and stagnant career movement. But what the military lacks in sizzle is made up for by steady pay, good benefits, and stable working environment─factors not always a given in an often volatile tech employment environment.

Such is the case with Dr. Lawton Crentsil and Georges Mounkam, both of whom work for the U.S. Information Systems and Engineering Command (USAISEC), a group that supports the Information Technology functions throughout the Army’s posts, camps, stations. Crentsil holds the title of SATCOM Engineer, while Mounkam is SATCOM Engineer and Project Lead, both stationed at the group’s headquarters in Sierra Vista, AZ, outside Tucson. Their duties involve ensuring all communications equipment and networks are in proper working order─a critical role to smoothly functional military communications not just in the U.S. but throughout the world.

Georges Mounkam, SATCOM Engineer/Project Lead, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC). Photo courtesy of USAISEC.

Dr. Lawton Crentsil, SATCOM Engineer, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC). Photo courtesy of USAISEC.

Paying For Schooling

Mounkam, who originally came from Cameroon, Africa, said he was always interested in electronics and technology. About 20 years ago he started attending the University of Arizona and applied for several jobs in electronics. “When I applied for several jobs in electronics field, the job that appealed to me was the one with the Army in satellite communications.”

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Dr. Crentsil, who was born in Ghana and whose father worked in electronics, had some early interest in the military but did not initially consider military-related work. But after obtaining an undergraduate degree and joining USAISEC, he saw the opportunity to pursue graduate work while getting his tuition reimbursed. “Being an international student can be costly. You either put your schooling on hold or find someone to reimburse your tuition, which the military does.” Crentsil is now enrolled in a PhD program.

One misconception of working for the military is that one has to enlist in service. Both Dr. Crentsil and Mounkam joined the USAISEC as civilians. Dr. Crentsil voluntarily joined the Army reserve later on.  

Likewise, Mounkam benefitted from the Army covering his tuition. He has now been with USAISEC for several decades and has been able to work his way up to a project leader and management role.

Job security is an important benefit of working for the military, both Mounkam and Crentsil acknowledge. While the pay may not be as high as roles in private industry, there’s also much less concern about layoffs─something that many large, well-known tech firms have engaged in the past few years. Crentsil added that the working environment is good. “I do not want to work in an environment where you are micromanaged,” he noted, adding that he has friends in tech roles in private industry where there is considerably more daily pressure. “Here, you work at a reasonable pace.”

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Travel Precautions

As part of a team that makes sure military communications are working, Mounkam and Crentsil do get sent to Army locations around the world to help with installing and deploying communications equipment. When the interview was conducted, both of them were in an Army base in Okinawa, Japan, to help upgrade some communications systems.

Security, of course, is often a prime consideration, including for civilians working on military-related projects. In Okinawa, Mounkam and Crentsil stayed in a hotel within the city and were pretty much free to move around. But Mounkam remembers being in Kuwait 20 years ago, where there are very stringent security procedures. “Before we go to any location, we are briefed on security procedures.”

In addition, all military personnel are required to undergo a yearly health check-up, which includes vaccinations to ensure they are protected from diseases when they go to countries where specific health risks are present.

Proven Technology

Engineers interested in working for the military or military-related companies often wonder what technologies and tools they will be using. Because reliability is of the utmost importance, military tech work may not involve the newest tools. Dr. Crentsil noted that while engineers in private industry often get to try the latest tools, engineers in the military are well-assured they will be working with tried-and-true technology and not have to go through the growing pains of implementing tools or technologies whose outcomes are not certain.   

No Regrets

For both Mounkam and Crentsil an engineering career in the military wasn’t their first childhood goal, but circumstances drew both of them to rewarding engineering careers neither regrets. Dr. Crentsil said, “I enjoy what I do and intend to stay with it.”

Likewise, Mounkam remains a happy camper. “The military gives me a sense of being part of team, job security, and a sense of responsibility.”