Strong ICs, weak leadership, poor direction, unhealthy culture - Forward Deployed Engineer Labelbox Employee Review

1.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Strong peers at the IC level who are capable, thoughtful, and committed to doing good work

Cons

The biggest issue is leadership. In my experience, middle management and executive leadership create more friction than clarity. Projects often become slower and more complicated because of unclear direction, shifting priorities, and layers of process that do not appear to improve outcomes. There is a serious lack of strategic vision, especially around AI. The company talks about important opportunities, but the execution does not match the ambition. Much of the burden falls on deployed engineers and ICs, while leadership does not provide the clarity, ownership, or support needed to make the work successful. The culture also feels unhealthy. Work-life balance is poor, expectations are often unreasonable, and blame tends to move downward. Employees can feel disposable rather than valued, and leadership does not seem meaningfully concerned about churn or morale. I would strongly encourage anyone considering an offer to speak privately with current or former employees first. My experience has aligned closely with many of the negative reviews I read before joining.

Explore other reviews about Labelbox

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture, fun environment, always feel good about showing up to work.

Cons

Nothing was significantly bothersome here.

1.0
Jul 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people you work with day to day. Some of the best folks I have ever met in my life. Genuinely smart, talented and driven. Legitimately the only thing that makes working there tolerable.

Cons

Where do I begin: 1) Management has no idea what they’re doing. Individuals in leadership positions have no idea what’s going on day to day and have really unrealistic expectations. 2) The culture is do what you’re told or get bad mouthed by individuals with some degree of power to the senior leadership. 3) They somehow attract amazing talent and have no idea on how to retain them. 10 people that have been absolutely essential in growth of the company’s revenue have left in the last 3 months and they have hired 1 replacement so far! the expectation is people who remain will pick up the remaining work. 4) No forward momentum or growth from research. The company is reactive as opposed to proactive. No ideation and investment in ideas that could lead to business growth. How is the division meant to succeed? 5) Middle management exists at its finest and its both a resource and a money sink. If everyone on the team can see it, its hard to understand why the senior leadership cannot.

3
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