Be Careful of the Company you Keep - Scientist SAIC Employee Review

2.0
Feb 7, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

SAIC was my introduction to the professional work world, and for four and a half good years, I worked with very smart people on some very challenging projects. I gained a lot of experience, and they supported me financially in getting a license required for my career.

Cons

Last year, SAIC announced Project Gemini, which would split the IT services off from, well, basically everything else SAIC does. We were told it was to help SAIC remain competitive, but I have my suspicions that it was done to limit liability from a few well-publicized mistakes. Now, the company never really treated my division and office fairly (i.e.- no holiday parties since 2008 for our division, didn't invite us or even inform us of the existence of a company picnic, small contracts prohibition), but that's when things started to go downhill. I worked in a division slated for BlueCo. Support for proposals and new ventures dried up, and it became harder and harder to maintain billable hours. Our perks, from decent health insurance and performance raises down to tissues in the supply room, evaporated one by one. My project and line manager tried to help out as much as they could, and I still worked with some pretty great people. But when the upper management actively sabotages your side of the company, it's only a matter of time before you can't stand it anymore and leave or get kicked out. And if you get kicked out, well, between the crummy insurance, low job security, nonexistent raises, and a career ladder where you advance by dead mens' shoes... it's probably a blessing. If you're interviewing with SAIC, be sure you ask which company you're working for. I've never worked for any divisions in WhiteCo, so I can't speak to that. But if you learn that you're working for a division that will be in BlueCo, I would think very carefully about the offer, and the company you'll be keeping.

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5.0
Jun 3, 2026
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CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Exciting work load that is consistently evolving.

Cons

work hour flexibility is limited to a two week period.

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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