Pros
United Space Alliance is a dynamic place to work, in that it has so many different functions available. The prestige of working for a NASA contractor is certainly exciting! Management is very good about work/life balance. We have the option of a flexible schedule - work your 40 hours in several different ways - Choose 8-5 schedule, 6-3 schedule, or do you want off 1 day a week? choose to work 4 10-hour days. These schedules are contingent upon the criticality of your job, and at your specific manager's discretion, but you see the point. United Space Alliance is very focused on safety. Every meeting begins with a safety topic - and they may not necessarily be about the workplace, it could be about safety at home. The point is, that the USA culture focuses on safety in all aspects of your life, and it leaves you always subconsciously considering safe practices. USA focuses a lot on training and cross-training. This is both for the employees' and company's benefit. They currently offer a generous educational reimbursement program, and encourage employees to cross-train in other areas to expand their expertise. You have the option of very exciting opportunities if you look for them - attending and viewing the shuttle launch (until it retires), meeting interesting people, touring our's and NASA's incredible facilities, etc. I have very much enjoyed being employed at USA.
Cons
The future of United Space Alliance is somewhat uncertain. The end of the space shuttle is upon us, and unfortunately, USA is going to severely suffer if they cannot get enough work on future contracts. Employees can be rather complacent, because they know that even if they work harder, they won't see advancement. Promotions, pay increases, etc are mainly based on years of service and good performance appraisals/reviews. So, some employees do the minimum required tasks without reaching out for additional work. So, job growth is rather slow. The pay is rather low as compared to other industries with the same or similar job title. Also, much of management is stuck on the same way things have been done in the past. So, any good innovative ideas are suppressed because it "might not work", or "that's not how it's done here". This year, we were notified that all pay increases and promotions are postponed until further notice - yet, the company is trying to retain employees. Its better than not having a job of course, but many employees were promised a promotion for years now, only to be frozen.