Pros
NASA Ames - They do allow something called "flex time". Where inside of the same month. If you work extra hours one week. You can take time off on other weeks. Comp time is much better, but they refuse to allow it for some reason. - Work is incredibly flexible as far as time. And many roles have hybrid options. - As long as you keep your project happy, management is superrr hands off. Almost too hands off. You're lucky to have an annual check-in. - The work is incredible and fun, you probably really will be participating at the cutting edge of your field. - You'll probably be working amongst people smarter than you. That's a great thing to learn. (aside from Code Q). - NASA on your resume will launch your career. - You get the usual inflationary raises that don't keep up with inflation.. - Everyone is incredibly inclusive. Just be you and get your stuff done.
Cons
NASA Ames Ames is a bit different than other NASA centers. It is a Research Center. So most research projects get funded for ~4 years. And all over the center they are starting and stopping all the time. - So if you're on a project and are performing, you don't have to worry about your job. Until the end of the 4 year period, when your project is bidding to continue. If they miss the landing, you're probably on the street since KBR's lets their hands be tied. - Pay is also so low for the area. NASA is aware they have to pay more to entice people to work there... but the locality offset is NOT enough to be commensurate with the area. It's comical really... You'll survive and stuff, but buying a home is way out of reach, since you're salary is barely enough to tred water in this area. - There is virtually no growth opportunities on the NASA side, and certainly not on the KBR side. They plug you in and if you somehow make it... You'll get one promotion every 8ish years. So make sure you like the role you're stepping into.