You need a security clearance for any DoD career or be eligible for one.
Additionally, you are keeping yourself busy at not getting a job by building and generating things when you need to be out everyday finding a network of professionals.
You can’t just hope that the resumes, after 18 months will get you a second look and an entry level job. My husband and DD’s companies would not look favorably at a resume that lacked a consistent 9-5 job. Even if it’s just working in a machine shop for below rate pay. It has to be something consistent on a daily basis.
Aerospace is a very narrow field within limited geographical business areas. You’re stuck if you aren’t networking.