He worked for the Atomic Energy Commission and was a Nuclear Engineer and Project Director for the NS Savannah, the world's first nuclear-powered merchant vessel.

Godwin left Bechtel in 1986 serve as the first Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics at The Pentagon.

He opened a Vineyard in Northern California where he retired producing award-winning ‘Godwin’ wine.

[11][2] When news surfaced that The Pentagon was paying vastly inflated prices for spare parts & everyday items as toilet seats, nails, and hammers.

Hewlett-Packard chairman David Packard was tasked by President Ronald Reagan to head a commission to look into the situation.

Richards simple goal of employing commercial business practices instead of military or bureaucratic ones to improve and simplify acquisitions turned out to be fruitless.

A year later he resigned, stating his superiors Weinberger & Taft didn’t give any executive powers beyond being able to “Sign a Paper”.