GE is the responsible career move if you want to work in energy. JPL is the responsible career move if you want to work in aerospace.

i'd pick cali over SC and i personally picked aerospace. the higher budgets and more complicated requirements makes more interesting work IMO. YMMV of course, and if you have an emotional tie to green energy, your preference would probably be to advance that field.

and i completely agree with raj's post.

 

PM me, i used to work for JPL and i can give you the pros & cons.

and as someone who's worked under both the JPL AND GE banners, i will recommend GE to you.

 

i agree, but government institutions aren't for everybody.

 

I worked at ARDEC (Picatinny Arsenal, NJ) for a year; you're spot on.

 

GT, I have a very close relative that works for GE in NC. Let me give you a few facts I know first hand.
He does the work of two and is paid for one.
He travels weekends (required) and is not paid for it.
He is required to be on call even on vacation.
When a facility in California was closed a few years ago, employees were required to move to NC to keep their jobs. A high % of those that moved have moved their families back, even as they continue working there.
I have been to NC as well as lived in So Cal for most of my youth, and it's a no-brainer. Stay on the west coast.

 

I hsve many friends and neighbors that work for JPL. They all seem very happy with their jobs. It's exciting, cutting edge work.

 

Pasadena is a great place to be for a single, young person. Safe city with tons of stuff to do. Sorry I can't give you any input on the field you're in.

 

Seriously, California vs SC??

Pretty easy if you ask me...

 

Haha, it would seem that way but there are much more factors to consider other than location. If all things were equal then I would pick Pasadena hands down but as I mentioned early these options offer different pros/cons.

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The way you describe it sounds like the wrong way to get ahead. Don't waste your life banging your head against the wall your whole career in an effort to make the next big break. Your boss might take all the credit anyway. Find an easier way to excel.

Get a master's (engineering or MBA) when your peers have a bachelors degree. Learn from and try to introduce solutions from other industries into yours. Meet people and get contacts that you can call on should things go south. Read. A lot. And above all, just try to make sure you enjoy your job every day--any and all the BS is worth it if you like what you do.