Pros
- Automatic 5% to 401K plus a 4% match.
- Flexible work schedules: 4x10s, 5x8s, 8x9s, early start, late start, etc.
- 40-hr work week with optional paid overtime.
- Most work is level of effort, which means you don't have to break your work down into hourly charge codes.
- High stability as a primary DOE contractor.
- Safety is a top priority and employees are encouraged to identify and call out unsafe practices.
Cons
- Slow work pace/can become boring/stagnant.
- No hybrid/telework options.
- Culture has become cautious - lack of trust in upper management.
- Potential furloughs during government shutdown.
- Most of engineering is being moved out to the Hanford site, which is an additional 30 minutes north of Richland on a highly trafficked 1-lane road.
- Job satisfaction is highly dependent on the manager. Many engineering managers are promoted because they are good technical staff, not good leaders.
- Many managers don't have PE certifications and can't sign off on your work.
- High turnover rates means lots of new and inexperienced workers.