Think twice before working here, it all sounds great until you walk through the door - Anonymous employee General Atomics Employee Review

1.0
Apr 14, 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefit package was fair compared to the competition in the marked place. After several years in the job you can come and go as you please, in most cases.

Cons

Management lacks formal college educations which hurts the overall growth of the company and ability for those they manage to be mentored. If you hold a higher education then a manager you will be forced out or held down from growth. Management is protected from ethical wrongdoing and scapegoats are made in employees who did nothing wrong.The company also holds a mentality to want to play like a Northrop, but cannot overcome the mom and pop mentality of running things. Competition will not put this place out of business, those working inside it will. After many years of working here the best thing I ever did was get out.

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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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