Pros
* Freedom to choose projects. (Can also be a blessing in disguise, see cons). So many different and invigorating projects available to work on. * Technological freedom in projects. You want to mesh together a few different languages for a project, or maybe try out a hot new framework? Nobody will stop you here. Being research based means the projects last only a few years on average, so you can go crazy to an extent with how you implement things. * Everyone gets an office * Decent pay compared to other defense/research companies, not so much compared to traditional/internet tech. * Very storied history with ARPANET, Email, acoustical work, etc.
Cons
* Company seems to ride the coattails of its past success. * Freedom to choose project can be overwhelming as a newcomer. Your worth at this company is measured by 2 things: a) Are you a PI/PM? b) What is your billability? Knowing this, you can see there is immense pressure on everyone to remain on a billable project at all times. Charging overhead is frowned upon. Managers do the absolute bare minimum to help you find a fit on a project. What this means for newcomers is that many times they are hired without any project in mind. The manager will pound it into their head about how important billability is but then not do much to help you find a project. You are expected to introduce yourself to the PIs and PMs of your group and convince them to take you on their project. Once you do that, it gets easier since you will settle into a niche/group of employees that frequently bid and work on projects together. Some of these groups are hard to crack into and don't like taking new people. This is very stressful for newcomers. * Do not expect much advancement opportunity or large salary raises if you do not want to become a PI or PM. Business Development is at the forefront of all promotional events. You will top out quickly here if you just want to develop and test for the projects. After a certain level (around Staff Scientist 1 or 2) if you do not bring in more business either by directly being a PI or by constantly working on proposals then you will not move forward. * Non-technical employees at this company are definitely second-class citizens (other then PMs)