Great company to work for but there are cons - Engineer I Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Feb 25, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I was fortunate enough to land a job at Genentech right after college. It is a great place to be as a new grad since you are surrounded by intellectual, motivated people and the benefits are great. This job has shaped me and provided me skills that I still use today and have learned from so many talented, experienced people.

Cons

I did not feel that it was easy to advance at Genentech. After a few years, you have to either move to other departments within Genentech or leave since there is a glass ceiling that I found difficult to break unless you have a Ph.D. I also found that their salary is not as competitive as other similar companies.

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5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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