what is the highest position in a non-superscale level?

Not familiar with DSTA job title, but if it's the same as other stat boards then it should be either a Senior Deputy Director or the first level of full Director.

What kind of scholars are we talking about here? Dsta scholarship recipients?

Is it true that the pay stagnates after some time? What could be the reason for it?? And is other ministry better than dsta in terms of pay

this is nothing to do with dsta. even in pte sector most ppl unless is hipo strong performer pay will go up very fast at first then start to stagnate from late 30s onwards

So if you're a strong performer, you will do well on dsta too?

yes strong performers can go up to director level which is consider superscale. of course if ur those kind who believe ur gonna be some top banking CEO making millions every year then cannot compare.

No offence but the example you highlighted doesn't really reflect the differences in culture between the public and pte sector. Even in the civil service, bosses will expect their staff to make recommendations and plans on their own, seeking inputs only on issues above the staff's level. I imagine this is proper staffing wherever one goes, pte or public.

The key differences in culture between the public and the pte sector, IMO are the bureaucratic processes and the assessment of ppl. Many other posters have pointed this out correctly. Public servants, even those that serve as technical specialists tend spend a large portion of their time dealing with paper writing and holding meetings to get projects or project related decisions approved. It is not uncommon for people to spend more time dealing with bureaucracy in a project rather than working on the project itself. I believe this is a major factor when people complain about how "slow" government agencies are.

Due to the bureaucratic system, there is also a large emphasis on one's ability to deal with such things in assessment of potential. If you're a good engineer but poor at writing papers, chances are you'll have a lower ceiling than someone who is a a mediocre engineer but good paper pusher. Not that I'm saying this is wrong. Indeed a good engineer may not make a good manager and vice versa. However in the case of public service, much of these paper work deal with issues that exclusive and unique to the sector which you will not encounter outside.

These are the reasons why people who have spent too many years in the public sector finds it difficult to switch to the pte sector, and why there is this "stigma" associated with a long working history in government agencies. An engineer with 5yrs' experience in the public sector vs another candidate with 5yrs in the pte sector, the former is less developed in his core area (engineering stuff) compared to the latter. A hiring manager will thus make the right decision and hire the latter.

Not really. What you are saying is very surface level observation. A lot of mega size old MNCs are famous for being every bureaucratic and writing paper, attending multiple meeting sort of culture. There is nothing wrong in being bureaucratic as it is needed in complex organizations for governance and consistency.

The main thing is about difference in priorities: objective vs follow protocol mentality. GE for e.g. is famous for being bureaucratic, but that doesn't mean their culture is anywhere close to public sector. In fact they are very performance driven and manage poor performers out actively.

I agree with you that some degree of bureaucracy is essential and quite prevalent in larger companies. I presently work in an MNC and yes, I am still required to attend meetings and write reports from time to time. The difference is now, such things take up only about 20% of my time whereas in the civil service this could go beyond 50% on a regular basis.

Recently got news stating that DSTA got a new bunch of scholars liao. like that will affect peasants in DSTA (those who are not scholar)?

Peasants are always at the mercy of the scholars....

seems like dsta still no change after so many years

Starting pay 2015
 

Could anyone please share the salary for second upper engine grad this year? i am applying for armaments engineer position. Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know more about the application process? I applied and it directed me to a jobstreet portal. No response for weeks. I graduated last year and am looking to change industry. Considering DSTA.

Career Progression in DSO and DSTA
 

Hi Guys,

I understand that DSTA is considered a statboard/civil service work that goes by MX scheme while DSO is a corporation, which I am unsure about its career progression.

Anyone care to share the career progression in this 2 different organisation?
Both starting pay seems to be same or similar, however is its other remunerative benefits/bonuses and its career progression same as well?

Like the total annual salary is around 16 months including bonuses, and other flexible cash/insurance/medical benefits?
And yearly increment of 5% in your monthly salary?

Thanks if anyone could provide more details especially for the career in the long run, which will be better in a sense?

HI

DSTA and DSO recently revised their starting pay for fresh grads.
2nd upper would give you 4.2k basic.

4.2k for 2nd upper with NS??

how about 2nd lower with NS??

2nd lower with NS's starting pay is at 3800.

So with NS
1st class = 4600
2nd upper = 4200
2nd lower = 3800

?

Yes, that is correct.

upzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Went for an interview last week and was told that they would get back to me in 4 weeks. Is that the current norm for DSTA? I've read through this thread and it seems the general consensus is that they will get back to u within 2 weeks. Also, if you didn't get the job, will they inform u as well?

What's the salary ceiling for an engineer with DSTA, assuming average performance.

DSTA Estate Senior Officer
 

Anyone knows whats the job like as an estate officer? And pay scale as well!

I was informed that hr will get back in 2 weeks and indeed got an offer exactly at the end of 2 weeks. This was for an Engineering role.

Based on current pay, an average performing engineer at end of CEP (after 25 years of service), will be earning $15k pm.

But believe this will be adjusted upwards over time to keep pace with inflation.

15k pm after taking into account of bonuses? Is this forecasted based on an end of career principal engineer or dd level position?

Senior PE. DD level pay after 25 years of service is above $16k. Bonuses not included

On average, everyone to reach DD with minimun annual package of $272k (aws + 4mths pb). Are you sure this is average?

DD level are not for average engineers lah. There are only a few DD appointments available and you have to "survive" the competition and stress to reach that level. On the other hand, there are many senior PE positions.

Recent intake for fresh graduates in technical role are being offered 3.6-4.5k.

Do you happen to know the latest salary range at each salary grade from grade 6? The respective job title tag to whichever grade would be helpful too. Thanks.

Hi all, can someone please enlighten me?

How long does the G50 clearance take? Will HR offer before or after the G50 clearance? Thanks!

You will get to your offer before clearance, but on the condition you clear g50 and medical. G50 takes 2 weeks to a month I believe.. Not entirely sure

116
 

Depends on (coughs) a certain dept...more realistic timeline is between 3 weeks to 3 months for G50 clearance.

In general, if you have no criminal records, bad credit, or shady family members, the clearance process should be quite standard.

Medical usually quite fast if you have no serious medical conditions.

How do you know if G50 has been cleared?

I was asked to complete the g50 clearance so does this mean I am offered the job?

Nope, any defence related industry have to clear G50 process. you were asked to complete probably is for administrative purpose only.

depend on the procedure. you will be notified by the HR

It's been 3 weeks since the interview. Should I assume that I have failed to get an offer? Is it DSTA practice to inform candidates even if they've failed?