The Military-Industrial Complex and Me

I did it.  I allowed myself to be assimilated, and I have no regrets.  Maybe it’s because I’m approaching forty.  Maybe my values have changed since college, or at least I hope they have.  🙂  Monday, January 9, 2006, after completing a six month stint as a contractor, I started as a full-time employee of a defense contractor.  We develop software specifically for the Department of Defense, and we do it very well. 

The company is DPRA Incorporated.  I work for the Defense Systems Group, or as a co-worker calls it “The Developer’s Paradise.”  DSG is run by a Senior VP who is also a software developer.  He can discuss with familiarity the ideas of Fredrick Brooks and Tom Demarco.  In fact, he told me that everyone has an office with a door because of Tom Demarco’s book Peopleware.

That’s right kids.  I have an office with a door!  I also work uninterrupted.  Other than our weekly team meeting, if I want anyone to know about my progress, I have to find them, and let them know. 

This doesn’t mean we are immune to the realities of software development.  Last fall I had to meet a deadline, and I assembled my project in a decidedly slap dash manner in order to fulfill the requirements of the contract.  What is unique is that after we met the deadline,  I had time to refactor my work into a more maintainable form before release.

Besides the creature comforts, my coworkers are smart, talented and professional.  This may sound like hyperbole, but I assure you that I work with some of the best people in the industry.  Last summer I went to TechEd and got a feel for the best and the brightest.  I’ve met the best of the best, and I work with some of them on a daily basis.

It used to be that the three companies I most wanted to work for were (in order of preference):  FogCreek, Microsoft & Wintellect, but not anymore.  I’m home, and I don’t have any intention of leaving.  If you’d like to join me, then keep your eyes open.  We hire regularly.