[Thorentis]

It sounds like most of your disillusionment is with the profit seeking. Now, sure there are still some caveats here, but have you considered working in defence? While private defence contractor companies still make tons of money, there is not the noticeable profit incentive floating around since government contracts are taken for granted, very lucrative, and last a long time.

The pace is slower, but I've found managers on the whole to be more hands off, you get to be an individual contributor more easily, and there isn't the constant product hype.

Yes, iteration is slower. Yes, the documentation can be monotonous. No, you won't be writing code as often. But if you get the right job, you'll get to design some interesting stuff. You'll certainly learn a lot.

You can learn the next JavaScript framework through Google in a couple weeks. You aren't going to learn about how the software of a combat management system on a submarine works through Google. So much military hardware is "fly by wire" now, so there is software galore.

It's not for everybody, but with only 7 years into a career you should give it a shot. And then, worst case you decide it isn't for you, but maybe you get a great idea for a defence company along the way and you leave and win a government contract and get on the gravy train. Seriously, I'd say winning a Gov contract is easier than being bought by Google for $$$. Less competition, and you won't be selling based on growth potential, but on the quality of your product.

[hunter-gatherer]

I second this option. In defense I did some interesting things. Everything Thorentis said aligns with my experience as well. It isn't perfect, but has unique positives. It is refreshing to work on unique problems that aren't profit driven. It truly changes the dynamic of what you're doing. The pay isn't as good, but it isn't _bad_.

USAjobs often has ambiguous postings unfortunately. This is sometimes intentional. Networking in the defense department as a STEM guy is pretty easy, and whatever first gig you land can take you to something else in a few years. Recently had a coworker who was on our malware analysis team move positions and now works on software for DoD satellites, for example - something more inline with what he wanted to do.

If you want some more background on my experience or you feel like this is something you'd be interested in feel free to pm me.