Pros
ECS provides a wealth of opportunities to its employees. It is one of the few engineering firms that allows junior engineers to participate in business development and client relationship activities as well as project management. ECS has a future leaders program that prepares its younger generation for leadership opportunities at the department, office, subsidiary and corporate levels.
ECS is an employee owned firm that also has an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program). After two years of service, employees start becoming vested in the ESOP! At the same time, ECS offers a 401k match dollar for dollar up to 4% of the employee's compensation. In a time when most companies are cutting back on employee benefits, ECS continues to be generous.
Cons
This job isn't for everyone. The geotechnical and construction materials testing are tough industries. Time is money. Clients expect problems to be solved and progress made during construction. Summer work days can be long and hard. Engineers and scientists should not expect to sit at a desk all day.
Those without Grit need not apply.