>>I admit that I am somewhat biased because my particular STEM field (civil engineering) is probably more heavily influenced (for better and for worse) by the public sector. This is why I pursued a managerial track almost from the first day of my career, even though I keep and maintain my professional license.
I’m in Industrial Automation. I’ve worked in manufacturing, power generation, and water/wastewater treatment. I’m in management now, but I resisted that for a long time, preferring my work of playing with the big toys.
I envy you. It’s hard to play with “big toys” like roads and bridges. LOL.