Strong for Engineers and Scientist with Advanced Degrees, Weak Support for Junior Staff
Pros
One major pro is that they happened to be hiring at the time. If you hold a master’s degree or higher and are in an engineering role, you can expect consistent work and a competitive salary. I work my 9 hours daily and go home.
Cons
Bonuses tend to be minimal unless you're assigned to certain departments, like WMD or Fuels. The employee-ownership structure sounds good on paper, but in practice, newer employees often end up with limited work and unclear growth paths. This usually connects back to communication breakdowns and poor oversight. Leadership often appears to be made up of people who advanced through internal politics or mergers, not necessarily through qualifications or performance. Some managers prioritize their own tasks and projects, leaving their teams with little engagement or meaningful assignments. Even individuals with a degree can find it difficult to consistently fill a 40-hour week, which brings uncertainty about their role or long-term prospects. Those with higher-level engineering credentials or who came in through acquisition seem to have a better experience overall. For others, especially those just starting out, the environment can be discouraging. Time off is another concern. Outside of official holidays, any leave — including for illness, emergencies, or parental responsibilities — is deducted from personal PTO. There's no distinction made for the reason. In addition, based on what was observed and shared across offices, not all but some environments within the company can be particularly difficult for women. Experiences may vary, but the issue has been noted.
