Pros
Scientific & engineering think tank that operates laboratories for various US government agencies. Exposure to a great many interesting scientific disciplines. The work itself can be very interesting and rewarding and a learning experience in and of itself. Most of the peers I worked with were great and equally talented. Virtually all of the clients I worked for were great and appreciative of the work performed. Overwhelming majority of the coworkers are more than willing to share their knowledge and expertise with other coworkers and not cop a superiority attitude. Under the right management chain it can be place to thrive and grow, however, that is becoming harder and harder as upper management moves it's marketing focus away from the "short-term" contracts that are renewed multiple times over many years in favor of multimillion dollar mega contracts that are far and few between.
Cons
Management has lost focus of its most valuable resource - its employees and trying to squeeze blood from a turnip. Many in mid and upper management are retired military officers and do not realize that they are now in industry and no longer in the military. Hence, they feel that when employees ask questions about assignments, they employees are not interested in the work. Also, management is very tight lipped and there is virtually no communication from management about what is going on or how the company is doing. They do not announce Reductions in Force (layoffs), nor do they tell the remaining employees why there have been layoffs which results in a very stressful work environment and diminished employee productivity. There is also an apparent bias against those without military experience by managers who were former military, but there is the occasional decent retired military boss who is decent and fair to all. Unrealistic expectations regarding timelines by management and marketers who sell clients everything under the sun and promise it can be delivered in an unrealistically short time frame, or grossly under a realistic cost.