Different than any place out there - Good and bad - Program Manager General Atomics Employee Review

3.0
Apr 26, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Privately held: Almost run like a non-profit with huge investment in IRAD and ability to fund decisions and actions that would be unthinkable in publicly traded companies. Market leader: Market is cornered domestically and a significant head start on most competitors globally 9/80 work schedule Company truly cares about its employees (evidenced by a severe avoidance of layoffs whereas other companies would have done multiple layoff events)

Cons

Company culture of Engineers playing in their sandbox and cost doesn't matter. The company really is a bunch of Engineers playing (and actually making cool stuff) and they just happen to make aircraft that sometimes they sell for a profit. There are a lot of people that have grown up in GA and continue to think that what made the company grow 15-20 years ago is what should continue to be done today.

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.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All