Raytheon Finance Executive LDP

I would say the benefits are good, but the salary is at best, on par with other industries. More likely than not, the pay will be lower, comparatively. The biggest benefit of working at RTN or similar defense contractors within the A&D industry is the job security as well as the work/life balance. I would say it's a much better place to end a career than start one.

With that said, if you're trying to look on Glassdoor, understand that Program Managers (as well as engineers) will always be paid more than their finance counterparts. Titles, progression (minimum, average), and salary are normally as follows:

Level 1: 1, 2.5 years (45 - 57K) Level 2: 2, 3 years (52 - 65K) Level 3 (Senior): 3, 4 years (60 - 77K) Level 4 (Principal): 3, 4 years (70 - 95K) Level 5 (Manager): (85 - 125K) Level 6 (Manager II): (110 - 165K) Level 7 (Senior Manager/Manager III): (150 - 200K) Level 7+, indirect (VP, Controller, Director, C-Suite): 200K - millions

*Note that for Program Management, deputy/junior PMs are a level 4 and they become PMs at level 5. You can't be a PM prior to level 4. Also, 90% of the PMs have previous military experience, most of whom don't have a college degree. Just food for thought.

Progression is not structured by ANY means, which could possibly be the most frustrating thing, as it is disadvantageous to someone who performs very well. There are baddies who have stayed at level 1 for 10-15+ years.

Keep in mind, that the years for progression are only valid IF you are even considered to be promoted. In the case of people who under-perform, those numbers are meaningless since putting in 2.5 years as a level 1 will not get them the promotion to level 2. Also, keep in mind the ROUGH salary figures are fairly skewed. The high band takes into account those who have been at that level forever, which biases the number upward quite a bit. For someone who is progressing on a "normal" or "fast" track, they will NOT, contrary to intuition, be near the high band for each level. They will probably be more around the 60-70% mark within the ranges.

There are many "finance" departments within RTN, so it is totally possibly that you could work on M&A deals in the FEDP program. However, it depends entirely on which group you get placed in (Controls, FP&A, M&A, BD, Accounting, etc).

I would say that FLDP is pretty good, much like any other LDP rotation programs for F500 companies. The rotation is 2 years and you will touch 4 different functions/departments. It's a good learning experience, but beyond that 2 year stint, I think it'd be beneficial to leverage that experience and go elsewhere.

Not sure on which degrees are more coveted, but I'm a little confused as to whether you are asking about Finance or Engineering/PM as you have questions regarding both. The Engineering/PM is on a different scale altogether (slightly higher) and I do not think a MBA will help there, compared to for a Finance position. I agree in that I think a MS will be better than a MEM, in this particular case.

Coming out of MBA, I would presume you would be placed at a level 4 at the minimum but no higher than a 6, unless you have extensive prior experience in the A&D industry.

Also, keep in mind that the LDP program is, as far as I know, for entry-level positions. They target students who have just graduated. The EDP (executive) program is more tailored for MBA grads as it puts you into a management position.

Hope this helps.