Pros
Most areas within Sandia value work/life balance. It is possible to "coast," while still contributing. Very family-oriented environment. Minority-aware. Very good educational advancement programs. Because most/all are cleared, other employees are generally nice, respectful, and come from a clean background. Lots of smart people work at Sandia. Security clearance gives a neat flair to the job and opens up doors to some interesting work. A "not-for-profit" feel means that people aren't always thinking about the "bottom line." Very supportive of continuing education and volunteering efforts. Above average healthcare benefits.
Cons
Poor performance review process. Poor advancement process. Some evidence of nepotism. Among the older employees, Sandia can harbor ineffectual coasters/lifers who would not make the "cut" these days. Things move very slowly because of the heavily aged workforce population--fast "Generation Y" style change, work approach, communication, and information flow isn't in vogue. Security clearance means you give up some personal freedoms that you might have enjoyed in college. Geographically, Albuquerque has a number of downsides (crime, bad schools, gangs, marginal health care, drunk drivers, etc.) Some benefits are seemingly below average (dental, vision).