Half baked code everywhere - Software Engineer GRAIL Employee Review

1.0
Apr 2, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Relatively chill, manager approves the unlimited PTO without much questions or conversations.

Cons

You won't get to do anything you want to do, very much "stay in your lane" type of management. Forget about promotions, because the engineering leadership only promotes those who, I quote, “put GRAIL first”. Personally, I put my family and my personal well being fist, work is probably fourth or fifth. On top of that, you'll run into blockers on a daily basis because the tools and code are rarely reviewed by senior engineers and incredibly difficult to work in. And as usual, they hire non-technical PMs to be technical PMs and waste engineering time.

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GRAIL Response
4y
We have taken notes on your suggestions and are working to improve our employees’ experience. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your feedback directly so we can make GRAIL an even greater place to work, and hope you will reach out to your management or HR business partner so we can continue to support employee success at GRAIL.

Explore other reviews about GRAIL

5.0
Apr 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance good overall

Cons

Nothing I can think of

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GRAIL Response
2mo
Thank you so much for feedback and all you are doing to help GRAIL with our mission to detect cancer early.
2.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Important mission to detect cancer early with meaningful potential to save lives - Talented employees across teams - employees really care about the work they are doing - Fast-paced work environment with some learning opportunities

Cons

My experience at GRAIL was shaped by consistent cultural and leadership challenges. - Toxic leadership culture: Executive team dynamics can feel immature and relationship-driven rather than professional and data-based. - Limited leadership experience: Several senior leaders appear to lack business and operating experience, which shows in inconsistent business strategy and weak executional discipline. - After two rounds of layoffs, the work-life balance has gotten significantly worse - Favoritism: Advancement does not consistently feel merit-based, with visible patterns of favoritism - Impact on women leaders: Female leaders are often passed over or leave the company for more equitable environments. * HR ineffectiveness: HR is aware of these issues, but has not driven any meaningful change. - Leadership turnover: These dynamics are contributing to ongoing attrition, especially among experienced leaders who have other options.

2
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GRAIL Response
1mo
Thank you for the work you do to help GRAIL achieve our mission to detect cancer early. As we continue to improve our employee experience, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your feedback directly. We hope you will reach out to your management or HR business partner so we can continue to support employee success at GRAIL.
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