Not the place to work if you're fresh out of college. Great place to retire - Anonymous employee General Atomics Employee Review

2.0
Mar 6, 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits for someone fresh out of college. I really enjoyed the 9/80 schedule (work 9hrs/day and get every other Friday off). Decent pay.

Cons

There is no focus on developing new talent. The majority of employees I worked with were individuals who were looking for an easy 40-45 hours job and wanting a place to retire. But for new graduates, there was no focus on developing them into the next set of leaders. My manager, who GA allowed to work remotely from half way across the country, actually told me he wasn't interested in developing me.

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5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very good work life balance

Cons

9 hour shifts 4 days a week

3.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mostly good people and skilled engineers that are easy to work with and great to learn from across all groups/locations. There is opportunity to pursue technical areas of interest and to stand out by leading improvement efforts. The company is flexible and often facilitates changes according to interest. Sense of job security generally feels good and stable, the greater GA really backs the Space division. The greater company works on some really interesting and cool things, beyond just defense. Pay is pretty good. Experience with most middle management (of engineers) has been positive, they typically advocate and support their employees.

Cons

Unsure of division leadership and strategic direction. Overall impression is that engineers' perspectives are not adequately weighted in both proposals and certain decisions for active missions. Processes burden performance, though there is intention for constant improvement. Ignoring engineering concerns (i.e. with schedule) + process burdens often result in delays and increased pressure, and therefore a less than ideal working environment at times. Overtime pay is not guaranteed but can be approved. Working with teams in different locations can lead to tension and "silo-ing" (though not always). Space division is becoming mostly defense focused (an industry trend), but would be nice to continue work in the civil earth and space science arena. They also demo'd a nice cafeteria/gathering space for more work/equipment space.

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