[oldmancoyote]

I did for 50 years more or less (NASA-Ames and USGS). I feel that although I have two degrees in geology, I was a second class citizen. I eventually earned respect by doing some remarkable things, but I had the opportunity to choose my own projects and be creative. I can see how in a more controlled environment, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to innovate and would have remained a second class citizen.

[oldmancoyote]

Let me add one more point. I believe that it would be to your advantage to insist on a job title of Computational Physicist or something similar. If anyone ever refers to you a a programmer or software engineer, forcefully correct them.

Good luck