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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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High pressure, low pay, terrible place to work for engineers - Scientific Engineering Associate Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

2.0
Sep 16, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I like the location and views from LBL. I also appreciate how they promote alternative transportation and have a general altruistic mission. There are many academic seminars and forward thinking research projects happening on campus, both at LBL and UC Berkeley.

Cons

Working at LBL is what I think it might be like to work at a nonprofit: high pressure, low pay, underappreciated. At first I was ok with it, because I thought the goal was admirable and worthwhile. However, over time I realize that there is a hierarchy here. Too many project managers, not enough engineers on a project. EETD does not value engineers. The department treats engineers like technicians, and only values program managers.

Explore other reviews about Lawrence Berkeley Lab

5.0
May 4, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting work and beautiful environment

Cons

Space can be a bit tight

3.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Beautiful location, you oversee the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and SF. Research environment, great bridge for academics to transition to a more applied research. Benefits quite good

Cons

Low wages, especially in the scientific staff. Basically no career progression. Offices are a mixed bags (some departments have brand new buildings, others have very old buildings). Do not rely on their immigration services to get anything beyond temporary work visas.

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