Engineer Review - Anonymous employee General Atomics Employee Review

1.0
Nov 27, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I can not in any capacity recommend nor think of a reason any engineer should work for GA. This is segregated to the Desert Sites. HQ in Poway seems to be better.

Cons

Adelanto, El Mirage, Grey Butte sites are run by an incompetent Director (Micro-managing, pointless meetings, nepotism, no real engineering knowledge). Desert Sites have lost good engineers left and right in 2017. HR is well aware of the issues and turn a blind eye to the issues. The place is a revolving door for engineers (Mandatory 6 am start time, no security clearance, titles are vague and unclear, underpaid, will move you to other sites at their discretion). Job postings state Propulsion and Mechanical Engineers wanted however the Director will eventually turn all into Manufacturing Engineers. Very unstable.

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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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