Never Realized How Bad It Was - Anonymous employee McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
Feb 6, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you're looking for a 9-5 (or less) job with minimal engagement and nothing challenging (besides dealing with managers), this is the place for you. You won't go anywhere or grow in the least, but maybe you don't want to.

Cons

It was definitely a rough place to work when I was there years ago, but now having been at other jobs that know what they're doing, it makes McMaster-Carr stand out even worse for being just terrible. There are basic management principles and strategies that are ignored here. It's crazy to see so many sharp MBAs and Ivy Leaguers hired into management trainee roles, but then somehow using none of what they learned to make this a better place to work.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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