Finding qualified scientists and engineers has become one of the hardest jobs in the defense sector. National Defense Magazine reported that 82% of companies in the defense industrial base have difficulty locating qualified STEM workers. Margarita Howard, sole owner, CEO, and president of HX5, knows that problem firsthand.

Her company provides STEM-focused federal support to NASA and the Department of Defense through more than 1,000 employees in 34 states. Some of its positions demand a rare blend of technical skill, clearance eligibility, and niche expertise.

A Crowded Market for Skills

The shortage extends well beyond defense. ManpowerGroup’s 2024 research found that 71% of U.S. employers struggle to find the skilled talent they need. Defense firms carry an extra burden because candidates must pass security clearance reviews, a process that can last months or years.

Technology companies complicate matters further. They recruit from the same pool of graduates and frequently offer bigger paychecks and faster onboarding. Younger workers also move quickly between jobs: 38% of Gen Z respondents in a World Economic Forum survey said they were likely to quit within a year.

Mission Over Money

Howard’s answer leans on purpose. Margarita Howard tells recruits they should feel excited about the specific program they support, whether that means helping reach the moon or completing a mission overseas. That framing gives HX5 a pitch commercial firms cannot easily copy.

Margarita Howard has also kept HX5 current on technology. An early investment in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which she pursued deliberately, gives recruiters another selling point for candidates who expect modern tools.

Experience remains the top hiring priority. “We prefer to hire experienced individuals, so we look for people that have worked with, or supported, NASA or the Department of Defense, as this experience is always very helpful,” Margarita Howard said.

The company has also made concessions to modern expectations, including hybrid work in suitable roles and updated communication platforms. Those efforts, paired with a clear mission, help explain why HX5 has retained some employees for 15 years. Refer to this article for additional information.

Learn more about Margarita Howard on https://www.f6s.com/member/margarita-howard