Pros
Since OATI is strict about working 8-5. I no longer take work home with me when I leave work. When the 8-5 policy was instituted, after 5pm I no longer talked or think about work, even if there are deadlines, high priority issues. I frankly don't care anymore after 5 because if management ask if I can stay longer, I refer them back to the 8-5 policy. i don't check emails, pick up calls after 5 and on weekends. This is a definite PLUS! Of course it'll impact my raises, but there is not much I am missing there anyways.
Cons
Low employee morale. As you can see from reviews on this board, the dissatisfaction is across the board from directors (some of the highest positions at OATI), project managers, senior/junior developers, and helpdesk (lowest on the totem pole). The low employee morale is definitely reflected in the quality of code and work done. As the market for gets better, a lot of very good developers have left or are planning to leave OATI. There have been weekly celebration lunches for those leaving. About a year or two back, OATI recruited a lot of developers from USC and other big name schools, most have left. If you like the energy industry and are thinking about joining OATI to get the experience. Think again! OATI makes you sign a 2 years non-compete agreement. Everyone from helpdesk to top management have to sign the non-compete. You cannot work for any of OATI's clients, competitors, etc. I heard a story that OATI sent a cease and desist to a manager who did leave to join as an engineer of a OATI client. One thing that I hated the most was writing daily reports of what you did for the day. You are required to include screen shots of your code, thought process, issues, etc. Daily reports are required no matter if your team is small or large. IMO this is the ultimate level of micro-management. Nothing else new to add. Read the other reviews. Everything else have been said.
