GA-ASI, a great place to learn solid technical tools - Engineer General Atomics Employee Review

4.0
Jan 14, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As an engineer, there are many opportunities to get close to the products and collect feedback from the grass roots. The layout at the RB site is such that many of the shops are within a 5 minute walk and there is unfettered access throughout. The morale is generally very good and I get the sense that many employees, , have a connection to the product. There is often ample funding to pursue product improvement projects and milestones are often accomplished though these are often late because projects are not properly scoped but that's for the other section of the review. I have never had valid time off requests denied and my supervisor has always been flexible with errands that occasionally pop up during business hours. My co-workers enjoy their jobs or at the very least put on a happy face. It's a pleasant place to work. Oh, and you get paid every other week.

Cons

Poor documentation of legacy products. The company has grown a lot and the products developed during the 'by the seat of your pants" days are not well understood by incoming talent. There is a lot of tribal knowledge that isn't shared. Another issue I have is poor scoping of projects. We often look bad/foolish/naive resulting from overambitious people overpromising directly to the customer.

Explore other reviews about General Atomics

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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