Typical Defense Contractor - poor pay, poor benefits, horrible hours, antipathy toward home life/family - Analyst SAIC Employee Review

1.0
Jan 24, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There were some really nice people there. Can count the number of them on one hand. Got to play with some nifty toys once in a while. Benefits include coverage for a "domestic partner".

Cons

Pay was average for the industry. Which is to say - if you are upper management, it suits your needs. If you are a techie or some other non-management type, it is entirely inadequate for the ridiculously expensive cost of living in Huntsville. And BTW, they are bilking the customer for far (undisclosed amount) more than what the employee earns for the services of said employee. Company expects you to put it before your own family. I work to live, not live to work. Ever since the company went public, it ceased to give a crap about its employees. It will lie to them (w.r.t. their job security), work them half to death with ever dwindling resources, and its work has in my humble opinion suffered due to management's greater emphasis on "appearance" of the products delivered to the customer, rather than performance. Example: if you can make your software "look like" it is performing a certain function without it actually performing said function correctly, and it fools the customer, then you have "done your job". Mass layoffs are now the new business model. With the ancillary benefit that the poor unfortunate employees are more than willing to sacrifice time with their families and let their home life suffer to work ridiculous hours under increasing stress, due to the fear of management's axe being aimed at their necks. Oh, yeah. I found while there that many coworkers are mean, vindictive, and have no problem not telling you at all that they have some inexplicable issue with you, and then going behind your back (with one person, it averaged once a month) trying to get you fired. I would like to say that particular issue was with one person - but I have found from experience it is epidemic within the company's culture.

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5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The SAIC management on my contract are excellent.

Cons

After completing my first years, I have no complaints. My SAIC experience has been everything that I had hoped.

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SAIC Response
3w
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We wish you continued success and appreciate your efforts in making SAIC such a great place to work.
3.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Current Leadership: The management structure has stabilized significantly, and my current supervisor is excellent—supportive, engaged, and great to work with. Excellent Team Culture: The coworkers here are fantastic. There is a strong sense of camaraderie, and the team is incredibly supportive. Strong Compensation & Growth: The base pay is competitive and fair, and there is excellent opportunity for extra pay and overtime. From a professional development standpoint, I have learned an immense amount in my field over the past year. Enjoyable Travel: Excellent opportunities for work-related travel that adds great variety to the day-to-day routine.

Cons

Management Inconsistency Early On: My first supervisor took zero interest in team well-being, or development and the second had significant temperament issues that ultimately led to their departure. While it has been resolved now, Apparently management here like a lot of places is hit and miss. Heavy Workload: The workload can feel a bit overwhelming and intense at times. Striking a consistent work-life balance remains a challenge under the current demands. Role Expectation Mismatch: Some of the technical responsibilities and projects I have handled since joining were not clearly outlined or explained during the interview process. Navigating these unstated expectations alongside an already heavy workload has been a significant challenge.

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