Women scientists and engineers managing national security federal research programs

The federal government has a need to employ United States scientists and engineers that are able to obtain a security clearance and in particular a need for those from underrepresented groups such as women, especially in national security research. These women have challenged traditional notions of women's success and satisfaction in male-dominated research environments, disciplines, occupations, and jobs. Few studies exist of federal government women scientists and engineers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 women scientists and engineers in the generation of grounded theory. The study describes women who have developed superior self efficacy so as to succeed in a male-dominated environment working on nontraditional scientific problems such as national security. The population is unique and extends the understanding of women's career development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The women were influenced and socialized by family and teachers. There was a consistency in the valuing of math and science in the school and home environments. They also were supported in numerous informal and formal educational experiences the effect of which may be that their attraction for science and math activities deepened their interest. Working in the federal government provided important benefits that seem to have contributed to career satisfaction, including work-life balance benefits, opportunities to satisfy their socioemotional needs by working on challenges that enhance the quality of life for national security defenders. Although the women are underrepresented, they viewed the federal government as a meritocratic employer. Future research could (a) extend the understanding of the number, type and frequency of experiences that would develop superior self-efficacy, including science and math value, and (b) provide an understanding of how government organizations viewed as meritocratic may contribute to women scientists and engineers' satisfaction and retention. Federal policy makers have an opportunity to ensure that robust and quality data on the federal science and engineering workforce especially for underrepresented STEM groups is transparent and easily accessible for current and future STEM professionals, employees and researchers.