I am a mechanical engineer, graduated in 2019 with around 5 years of experience in medical devices. I want to get into the aerospace/defense field, since I want more challenging work. I have been having a tough time getting an aerospace job that will pay me what I want and what is fair for my area ($115k-125k). My question for you veterans out there is whether or not I should just get a mid level medical device role and try to break into aero in a few years, or keep trying to get in now.

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Where are you that pays $115k+ for 5 YOE?

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I’ve got 5 YOE and make $123k in defense. However I’m in the DC area so quite a bit of that might be cost of living factors

Do you have an advanced degree? What area are you located? You should be around that range with 5 YOE and a Masters in Engineering in the DC area

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My job transformed from sat com to aerospace sat com which increased pay in the DC area. Actually trying to transition into medical devices since biotech is big in the DC area too

Yeah that tough, and what your asking is 10+ yoe the indistry is a pissing contest with in my times mentality. And without a pe (im assuming) your not getting anything over 70k

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PE doesn't matter in aerospace. Being a FAA DER or UM is what is important.

Stay where you are at in that industry, Stay away from government work because of the bad reputation government engineers/designers have in the commercial world.

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Maybe too late, but I did the transition from Medical Devices to Aerospace, not making nearly what you are asking with 10 YOE.
I would say if you want to transition do it because you like the industry not the money, they both pay very well depending on the company you end up with.
If you still want to transition, put emphasis on your transferable skills, there is a lot of overlap between 13485 and AS9100 specs, so make sure you put those skills on your resume and mention them during interviews.
Depending on what department you're aiming for (Design, Quality, Manufacturing) those skills will come down to the software they use, hands on experience or knowing your specs.

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