It might not be the very best job, but far far far from the worst. - Senior Software Engineer Lab49 Employee Review

4.0
Feb 25, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As a current employee, I'm pretty tired of the bashing when it's generally unwarranted. Every company has issues, and in the end it's what you make of it and how vocal you are that makes your experience positive or negative. I've worked full-time and as a salaried consultant. Having seen the inner-workings of companies that paid me, or I consulted for, I can say that Lab is top-tier in most every aspect. The pay is competitive to the street, and the health benefits are fantastic for a small company. Your mobile is partly subsidized, and they will expense some training courses and conferences (if you present at the conference, or at Lab with an update of what you've learned). You're working on a different project 2-3 times a year, so there's always a change of pace / outlook, and a constant exposure to new technologies / frameworks. You're working with smart and dedicated people, who want to work with smart and dedicated people, who also want to improve their craft and share with their coworkers. If you're not a full-stack developer, you'll find opportunities to become so, either directly on a project, or on collaborations with your coworkers. If you enjoy technology, you'll find a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you. This place is not to be confused with Facebook or Google, but I've known people who've quit those companies out of frustration, too.

Cons

Some benefits could improve. The business model has changed in recent years, and there have been growing pains. This isn't to say that management hasn't been working to improve the process, they have, and they've solicited comments and thoughts from people on the projects, those on the ground that can provide the best insight.

Explore other reviews about Lab49

5.0
Sep 16, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Working groups around Blockchain, AI, and other interesting topics - Book Club - Open and transparent leadership team

Cons

- Uncertainty around what you will be working - Can do a great job on a project, and still be left on the bench when it is finished

2
4.0
May 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Hiring is well-gated, so you'll work with smart people. Projects are exclusively in finance so it's a great place to gain exposure in that industry. You operate with a good amount of autonomy.

Cons

It's a consulting company, so engineers are only valuable if they're billable. That means your success is tied to someone else's ability to secure a pipeline of work for you, or your own ability to upsell at your engagement - which may or may not be up to you no matter what you do. There isn't a dedicated sales team at Lab, so this can get spotty. Upper management's presence is felt in seasons - non-existant for months at a time, all over everything the next. They were nowhere to be found as AI got rolled out massively in 2026 and we got caught without a strategy and action plan - either for leveraging internally or for pivoting our model.

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