Poor management and product planning - Senior Software Engineer Labelbox Employee Review

3.0
May 20, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is the chance to work on some interesting and challenging technical problems. Management is open to trying new tech and solutions, which isn't the case for more conservative start-ups. Coworkers are genuinely good people and a joy to work with. Another review said that it's a good stepping stone, which I would agree with. If you don't get too attached and can put up the right kind of boundaries, it can be a solid opportunity.

Cons

Product priorities change quickly and often with the justification that we're a start-up in a fast-paced space. It's difficult to know what you'll be doing on a long-term level. Engineers are looked at as man hours to be slotted in to poorly defined projects and are expected to meet unrealistic estimates. People are sometimes reassigned to a different project every sprint or two. At the same time, expectations are very high and simply "getting the job done" is not good enough. While there are some interesting things to work on, most of the time (I'd say 70% at least) is spent battling technical debt accrued for the sake of shipping quickly. Time to pay off technical debt is promised once a project is shipped, but since projects are late and the next burning thing is waiting, this doesn't actually happen.

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
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All