[HolgerDansk]

Someone with a PHD in EE, patents, and about 10 years experience in research and development would start at about 110K.

$110k is about right, but would be about 20% above what the national labs are currently paying. Went through the process there, but then they lost the requisition (had to do a massive internal hire due to losing a contract).

$120k is about right in the private sector, but in the private sector nobody needs that kind of horsepower these days. Why innovate when you can improve your profits by outsourcing?

[superfries]

you have freep mail

[Wurlitzer]

"$120k is about right in the private sector, but in the private sector nobody needs that kind of horsepower these days. Why innovate when you can improve your profits by outsourcing? "

Spot on HolgerDansk! After my former employer eliminated all corporate engineering, I started my own consulting firm and 90% of my business was with my former employer. It made sense for them and it worked very well for me for about 3 years.

For the last 8+ years my former employer has been losing business closing down ~30 facilities and now that 90% of a big market is down to about zilch as they are not funding any major projects. This was a typical, dad built the business, dad dies, son with his MBA runs the business into the ground.

This company was, at one time under the old man's control, the world's largest printing firm. Now they are closer to #3 and in a very steep decline. It is a shame how much damage a single person can do to a thriving company.