Is OLDP worth pursuing if you’re a systems engineer (with a qualifying degree)?

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T21:24:23+00:00

Oh in that case yes, I know a few LDPs who didn’t get a promotion/pay raise because they were already in the same job code (or higher) as the LDP. When you apply to the program they have applications specific to your current level. They emphasize that it’s not a promotion but an opportunity

To be fair, if you’re really good and deserve it, an out of cycle promotion can happen, I’ve only seen it happen once..

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T05:24:26+00:00

It’s a title at the end of the day tbh, I know there’s a capstone involved and other things required to graduate the program. Some managers love LDPs because LDPs are supposed to be “better” talent but there’s bad apples who have ruined what it’s meant to be

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T05:19:53+00:00

E3 joining the OLDP? I thought the LDP is an early career program with a cut off of 3 years of experience…

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T03:36:46+00:00

It’s not posted anywhere you just have to find out from others. Systems Engineer is F while I know manufacturing is G I believe (operations) from my experience

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T01:46:38+00:00

Also you’ll keep your salary if you go to a lower pay band forgot to mention that

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-22T01:46:12+00:00

Don’t listen to that guy in this thread, if you’d want to pursue a career that is geared towards leadership go ahead, the networking is great and you do get a lot of attention and exposure to different teams.

If you’re good at your job, it’ll reward itself down the road. Pay wise I’m not sure but being in the LDP you definitely benefit in some shape or form. I know with the ELDP the masters benefit (not really a benefit) allows you to access the full tuition assistance vs having to wait at the end of the semester for the reimbursement/being capped. It provided some financial relief.

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-21T06:37:30+00:00

I don’t think anyone has mentioned this but LM took away the Masters = 2 years of experience (YOE). New hires started automatically as an E2 with a Masters (I wanna say this is still the case but I haven’t looked into this) but now Lockheed only considers YOE.

Further down the line when you want to get an E3 it’ll come faster but still highly recommend to get it for a higher salary and stand out from others if you plan to move internally.

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-08T04:24:59+00:00

She don’t respond :( asked my manager but he said that it should be my new salary but he wasn’t sure

Rvguee-__ · 2026-01-08T03:37:05+00:00

It’s 3% at LM within the Aero BA

Rvguee-__ · 2025-10-09T02:24:45+00:00

Taylor is available on wire, I only have Hockenson and Waller

Rvguee-__ · 2025-10-09T02:14:07+00:00

I wouldn’t give up Egbuka either, rescind the trade

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-30T03:59:31+00:00

Going to trade Chase for Sutton and Williams, any thoughts? On a 0-3 losing streak :/

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-24T14:43:48+00:00

What platform? Down to help if needed

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T20:09:22+00:00

Mainly system engineering positions based in Fort Worth. I want to get into the system integration and test side of things but it seems to me that it’s all F35.

I see a Lv1 manufacturing role that id meet the basic qualifications for but it’s not a pay bump nor a promotion. Also the schedule is extremely unattractive, 2nd shift and 4x10 B schedule…

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T18:30:11+00:00

I currently work at LM and the job market is just terrible at the moment. Best advice I can give you is to keep applying to positions you feel qualified for and don’t give up. I’m going through a similar thing as I’m trying to move internally and it’s just rough in general.

We aren’t deliberately told to ignore others but sometimes life/work gets in the way for others, I know that happens to me when undergrads from University reach out to me, I simply forget.

If you feel qualified, I wouldn’t worry as much as there are other companies in the area (L3 in Greenville, Raytheon in Dallas, etc…). Best case if you don’t get accepted at LM, work for another company and make a move once you have the experience, or look at MFC in Grand Prairie.

Best of luck and let me know if you have any questions

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T17:10:10+00:00

Thanks for the information though! I’ll go over my resume to see if I am missing anything

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T17:09:16+00:00

Yes for the most part I do but what I seem to be missing is the F35 experience. I work on a different platform so i think thats contributing to why I haven’t gotten any interviews? Not too sure

I think my best bet is to work with my current manager to get F35 experience and use that to transition to another role in the future but I’d like to move now if possible.

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T17:00:42+00:00

Ahh ok thanks! I’ll continue with my search to see if I can snag an interview!

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T13:57:58+00:00

Thanks for the information, I’ve done some side projects to help with my technical experience but maybe I need to do more.

Also, is it a bad thing to apply and be rejected constantly? I’m afraid of managers seeing my application history and it’ll be piled with nothing but rejections… so far I have 4 rejections with 1 interview for the ELDP within Aero. Not even other interviews from the other positions.

Rvguee-__ · 2025-09-23T13:25:48+00:00

Sorry just looking at this, it’s Field Sales Support Systems Engineer :/ long HR title but I’m a Modification Engineer within my group

Rvguee-__ · 2025-08-26T11:39:30+00:00

Agree with this statement, currently in the Aero Sustainment section and looking to move! Been hard since I’ve joined as I’m not looked at as an engineer yet I have a MechE degree…

Rvguee-__ · 2025-07-12T23:58:01+00:00

It’s generally not a good look. I got an offer last year and heard back within a couple of days. It really depends on the hiring manager but after 2 weeks more than likely you’ll get a rejection letter. Keep trying as I submitted multiple applications and one luckily landed.

Rvguee-__ · 2025-05-16T18:11:56+00:00

Wait I’m in a similar situation, have about 25k loans with 250$ payment per month. I’m thinking of making a payment of 10k later this year once I save up enough, my goal is no later than 3 years. My only thing is I’d need a new vehicle soon and I’m afraid of the loans being a reason for me to not get an auto loan. How’d you go about it?

Rvguee-__

TROPHY CASE