Work at EMD only if absolutely necessary - Engineer Curtiss-Wright Employee Review

1.0
May 5, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

EMD has a rich history rooted in the nuclear power generation industry. It is an easy place to gain experience with lots of opportunity to learn and their co-op and internship program provides future engineers with a path towards full time employment. If you wish to work in a manufacturing facility or the nuclear power industry, your best bet is to use employment at EMD as a resume builder and after 2-3 years find an exit for a better paying employer.

Cons

Salaries for engineering roles are far below average. Annual merit increases for all office roles are of a below average percentage. There is no defined career ladder and there is little room for compensation or title growth in your role. There are real examples of engineers working for decades without receiving promotion. For reference my salary at 7 years of experience is more than double what it was at 5 years of experience when I departed EMD. As you gain more experience, your work load, responsibilities, and overall importance of work and the visibility that comes with it will rapidly outpace your salary and position title. Senior management is known to have an extremely arrogant attitude towards their customers, stakeholders, and employees alike and they make continued poor decisions. Management also bends over backwards to appease the union shop workforce while neglecting the needs of the office workforce. One positive is that most senior management is nearing retirement and it will allow Curtiss-Wright corporate to potentially step in and change leadership, giving the facility a much needed revival.

Explore other reviews about Curtiss-Wright

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Staff appreciate the job stability, good pay/benefits relative to the Aerospace & Defense industry, and highly professional engineering teams. Many report a strong sense of purpose and trust in their immediate colleagues.

Cons

On the downside, some reviewers cite a top-heavy, process-oriented management structure, occasional disjointed communication across departments, and strict, high-pressure deadlines.

1.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Brand recognition, Curtiss-Wright has lots of locations you can choose from, I get to travel and see parts of the USA

Cons

Having worked here for a relatively short period of time, my impression is that the onboarding and integration experience for new employees could be significantly improved. In the engineering department, new team members may find it difficult to establish themselves due to a culture and one particular difficult senior employee on the team that can feel unwelcoming and, at times, overly hierarchical. There appears to be a strong reliance on one specific long-tenured employee in engineering, which can make it challenging for newer staff to voice concerns, contribute new ideas, or receive consistent support. Expectations are often high, and work-life balance can be difficult to maintain during busy periods. Another area for improvement is the visibility and accessibility of HR. A stronger on-site HR presence could help employees feel more supported and provide a clearer avenue for addressing workplace concerns and improving communication. From conversations with current and former employees, I frequently heard that the culture was stronger when the company operated more like a family-run organization. Whether or not that perception is accurate, there is a noticeable desire among employees for a more collaborative, supportive, and people-focused environment.

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