The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - Engineer General Atomics Employee Review

3.0
Nov 1, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Starting salary/wage. Main campus with fitness center, gym, cafeteria etc. Safety policies are well though out and practiced, not just the usual CYA. Procuring the proper tools and equipment is never an issue. Technology is on the forefront. Talented employees. Great company for your resume. 9/80 work schedule for most employees.

Cons

Nepotism, leading to unqualified supervisors and managers is frustrating. Some groups have cliques where it's more important to be in them versus your job performance. If you aren't 'in' with one of the cliques you should start looking for another job. Inconsistent work environment depending on which division/location you happen to work for. At the VP level some are abusive and unprofessional, openly chastising managers in front of employees with loud, foul language. The above average salary when you get hired will slowly return to average with minimal or no raises over a few years. Low-level employees are disregarded and highly-educated employees get much respect. Managers have too much discretion for increases, resulting in big raises for themselves, small raises for their "friends" and little to none for everyone else.

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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