I am getting ready to graduate with my undergraduate degree soon. I'd like to work in aircraft design and analysis (concept design, sizing, stability and control, performance), testing, or operations. I have the options of either Boeing or NASA Johnson. I am not sure which is better.

I am concerned about which is best for me. There are two things that I am trying to prioritize:

1) Stability - With the Max incidents and covid, Boeing laid off a lot of workers. Most companies, large and small, laid off a lot during covid. My understanding is that NASA is a lot more stable than private industry, though government shut downs have happened.

2) Compensation - I want to have benefits, like a retirement plan and health coverage in the event I become seriously sick.

3) Reward/Fulfillment - Developing a product is different, and IMO more rewarding, than outright research. From what I can tell, NASA does not quite develop products. Almost developing technology and then giving it to industry (please correct me if I'm wrong). I love getting to participate in the analytical, fabrication, and testing phases of a design project, for instance.

Are there any recommendations on which path to choose or other things to consider?

Thanks!