General Atomics is a great place to work: the Aeronautical Division: not so much. - Anonymous employee General Atomics Employee Review

5.0
Mar 12, 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have met some of the brightest individuals of my adult life at GA. GA is one of the few companies that offers both 401K plan and a pension plan which is practically nonexistant any more. I have been able to advance personally and professionally. The company allowed me on the job training in new areas of expertise which in turn made me more valuable to the company. I have bonuses every year since I started working there 10 years ago. The main campus has a tennis court, swimming pool with cabana. Many of the sites have on-site gyms and showers. Mostly the best place I've ever worked. The Aeronautical Division, not so much.

Cons

Some divisions are not run as well as others. Avoid the ASI organization at all costs.

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5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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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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