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Hughes Network Systems

Part of EchoStar

Engaged Employer

Enjoyable Co-Workers but Mediocre Compensation - Software Engineer Hughes Network Systems Employee Review

4.0
Jun 21, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Many good co-workers. I have a good work/life balance with my manager almost never asking me to work overtime (only twice in my five years) and always willing to let me take time off for a variety of reasons (even on short notice provided there isn't an important deadline coming up). Hughes provides the opportunity for engineers to either move into a management path or a technical expertise path, and both are highly valued within the company. This decision is entirely up to the employee and you can dabble a bit in both before making it final. Was willing to work with me to increase my compensation package when I asked (I did have another offer in hand from another company that they beat).

Cons

Compensation seems slightly lower compared to other companies in the area (I base this off of the reports of co-workers who have left Hughes). I know for a fact that Hughes doesn't take a government security clearance into account when calculating pay, so if you have a clearance, you can get better offers at other companies. Limited amount of leave (15 days for first 5 years, 20 for next 15, then 25, no sick leave) "Flexible work hours" means you can arrive between 7:00 and 9:00 and leave 9 hours later (with one hour unpaid lunch) at your manager's discretion. There is no policy for working extra time for part of the pay period in order to take extra time off during the pay period. HR doesn't allow employees to input actual time worked, but requires that you put in 8 hours per day worked, even if you work 10 hours. You are also not allowed to put in hours for weekend work. Since there is no overtime pay for salaried employees, you aren't losing any compensation. However, Hughes is losing access to data that could be used to better plan deadlines. Outside of my sub-group, I know of at least a few teams that expect decently regular overtime work. Again, this is without compensation, or even records, so management cannot better plan future deadlines, which means that the next deadline will likely require overtime work as well. No telework option

Explore other reviews about Hughes Network Systems

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and facilities with an on campus cafeteria and gym

Cons

They did not have a clear role for me when I first started

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Hughes Network Systems Response
6d
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our on-campus amenities and had a positive experience with our team members. Building a welcoming community and providing convenient facilities like the cafeteria and gym are priorities we care deeply about. We also appreciate your candid feedback regarding your onboarding experience. Setting our team members up for success from day one is essential, and we are continually refining our processes to ensure role clarity right from the start. Your insights are highly valued as we strive to create the best possible environment for everyone.
1.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great coworker’s relationships. Being employed

Cons

After working at Hughes for nearly 10 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of what was once a great place to work into an organization where employee morale and satisfaction have steadily declined following the merger with the parent company, EchoStar. Over the years, employee benefits have been reduced, and opportunities for career advancement increasingly appear to depend more on personal connections than on talent, performance, or hard work. Seeing individuals with limited experience or knowledge promoted into leadership positions while highly capable employees who consistently deliver results are overlooked is both discouraging and demoralizing. The implementation of strict badge-in and badge-out policies for salaried employees has further impacted morale. Requiring employees to account for every minute spent outside the building creates an environment of mistrust rather than professionalism. Employees should not have to choose between stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air and staying late to make up that time—especially when doing so could mean being late to pick up their children or meet other personal responsibilities. In recent months, I have watched many talented colleagues leave the company, while many of those who remain are actively seeking opportunities elsewhere. Unfortunately, with the recent leadership changes, I believe these issues are likely to continue or get worse. Hughes has become a workplace where many employees feel they are simply enduring the environment until they can find a better opportunity.

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