the biggest mistake of my life - Engineer Northrop Grumman Employee Review

1.0
Sep 20, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I worked in one of the Utah locations within Propulsion Systems. My team was the best part of working there and the cafeteria staff were the sweetest but that's about it.

Cons

The number of cons is endless, but my biggest gripe is how I was lied to during my interview about the culture of the company and the work life balance. On work like balance: You are expected to sacrifice everything to get the product out the door. Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to overtime and working hard but to be constantly threatened with being fired or laid off simply BECAUSE I didn't want to work more than 50 hours a week (yes that's the normal amount of overtime expected) is insane to me. They say that you can flex the time off but most of the time everyone is so shorted staffed that you really can't. THERE'S A VERY HIGH YOU WILL NOT GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR OVERTIME. It's no wonder that there's such a high turnover rate for both operations and engineers. Well honestly it's either the excessive amount of overtime or the extremely toxic culture. On company culture: It's so unprofessional I could laugh. Everyone is so openly aggressive and refuses to help or answer any questions. On the small chance, someone MIRACLOUSLY decides to help you, all their answers come out as aggressive and condescending. At any other company, they would be FIRED ON THE SPOT. It's one thing to point out someone's mistake, it's another to belittle them as a person. We're working on rocket motors for crying out loud, you think people would have more understanding. With all the tensions between the different departments, it was impossible to get anything done. Don't even get me started on the lack of training.... Seriously no one knows what they're doing. Honestly I'm not surprised that there's such a high turn over rate. Closing Notes: Accepting this job was the biggest mistake of my life. The amount of frustrations and stress placed on me in my time here sent me to the doctor more times that I could count. If you ask anyone, they'll say the same thing. People openly talk about how they're unhappy with the company and they way they're being treated. I wouldn't wish this company on my worst enemy.

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5.0
May 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great hands on experience. Great people

Cons

Not much to complain aboug

1.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Big company so there's always opportunity within the company for career change - They have offices at desirable locations (San Diego, Los Angeles) - Work life balance is good. I never had to work weekends during my 6 years here. Most do 9/80 work schedule but depending on the program, you can work 4/10 work schedule.

Cons

It gets very political when it comes to promotions and raises. You rarely get compensated for working hard but rather on your *behind kissing ability. They have people at the manager positions with no credibility or skills, but for knowing the right people. I get that it's part of the corporate world but this company goes a bit over the board with politics. I've worked for other defense contractors and politics isn't as bad as here. I don't know, but I think having too many Asians at the company creates this weird politic culture (I'm Asian myself), That's just my guess.

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