Pros
I notice that most of the reviews on this site have complaints that will apply to most engineering firms. I don't think that the people writing those reviews have worked elsewhere, so they can freely discover this truth for themselves. Having said that, here's what I like: - Salaries are competitive. When taking salaries into account, see that... - Health insurance is COVERED FOR YOUR FAMILY. And it's good, too. Wellness visits are free; copays are $15-$30, depending upon doctor type. Eyecare is included. Dental is separate, but c'mon, you can't get it all. - Year-end bonuses. While not guaranteed (this year's rough, so doubtful), it's a great incentive to work through the end of the year if you plan upon leaving (don't leave a few weeks before, or you'll get nothing). Oh, and these aren't small bonuses, from my experience and co-workers' experiences. And they ramp up quickly. Very quickly. Not many other engineering firms do this for beginning and low-level employees. My last job, I got diddly squat. - The work environment is relaxed. - The bosses do care, believe it or not. The problem is that every young engineer comes in thinking they'll make a huge difference in a matter of weeks. That's not going to happen. Be realistic: know you know nothing when starting, one project completed doesn't make you an expert, learn from your mistakes, and you'll succeed. - This is not a Fluor-type company, where the amount of personnel varies drastically between jobs. By that, I mean that there's not a huge RIF after a project is finished. They tend to keep the good ones around... - You get to do your own drafting. On the flip side, you can't blame the drafters. - OT is not required. Nor is going to site for several months. Wages are hourly, so you get paid what you work (OT is paid as time worked -- don't expect time-and-a-half, though).
Cons
Times are tough right now, and there are rumors of layoffs. There have been growing pains, as there will always be when a company hires a boatload of newbies. If these newbies would realize my fourth point (they know nothing when starting, and one project does not make you an expert), then a lot of these issues would abate. I know that some will say, "Well, they are thrown to the wolves when they first start." That is true, but that's at any job. Most engineering is learning on the job. I don't know what people expect to happen. Months of training? Nope. There may be a book handed to you, but that's going to be it in terms of formal training (outside of the rare class). This is true of many firms, though. If you want to learn, talk to your boss, or your coworker who's been around for 5+ years. Don't take the advice of the guy who started a month before you; that's how problems arise. Cons other than that? Bosses could certainly do a better QA before allowing drawings to be issued. Also, the clients usually want these drawings issued for construction before they're even remotely ready. This can't be blamed on the company, though, as it's more of a client issue, but it seems like something could be done.