In this episode of Africans in Tech, we sit down with a software engineer, Reginald Billups, working in the defense sector, to discuss the realities of working for a major contractor like Lockheed Martin. From building software for aircraft to navigating the moral gray areas of defense tech, we talk about what it means to have a security clearance, how it impacts your lifestyle, and the career and financial opportunities it opens up.
We also dive into:
Balancing ethics and income in defense tech
Security clearances: what they cost and how they affect your life
Personal convictions vs. professional opportunities
Building side projects as a young engineer
Dating in tech and long-term goals in life and career
How to break into cleared roles and negotiate better pay
Whether you're in tech, interested in government contracting, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of defense software engineering, this one's for you.