Positive experience, but strange business model
Pros
Deep Technical Knowledge - GTRI researchers have deep technical knowledge in their field. These folks can really take an idea from concept to prototype. Work/ life balance - I never had any issue taking sick time, vacation, or flex time. The sick and vacation time off is a great deal! Autonomy - You can (and are expected to some extent) build your own line of research and management will support you
Cons
No Program Management Staff - Individual researchers are expected to PM their projects. This leads PM functions to often be an after thought on projects. This also has a tendency to approach sponsors to "find a problem for my solution." No clear Contract Strategy - The lack of a PM staff creates a free for all when it comes to contracting. This causes the company to sometimes look bad to sponsors. Variable Management - Every laboratory is ran differently. Generally, I found management to be really good or really bad. Often times, Lab Directors are the single point of failure/arbitration. Internal IT networks have improved recently, but are still pretty bad. For example, it is difficult to find an up to date org chart for any lab.
