I kind of got the impression that HDR (at least in Bellevue) chose style over substance.
Pros
-Willing to pay good salaries -Wealth of knowledge throughout company (i.e. networking, knowledge/work sharing, resources, etc.) -Reputation of company -Great professional growth -Location of offices and chances for TDY work in those places
Cons
HDR surrounds itself with probably a little too much protocol and bureaucracy that seem to get in the way of progress and innovative management. My experience in working with other corporations and their "way of doing things", HDR is probably right up there in terms of stagnation and placing archaic ideals into its products and, more importantly, employees. I saw one incident where a supposedly notable senior project manager yelled at a good engineer in front of other colleagues. I had a number of incidents where a manager was adamant in the statement "that's just the way we do things around here.." In my time there, I saw really good talent, knowledge, and experience be replaced with staff of more personable nature and sycophancy. More style, less substance. If you are a real "go-getter" or an overachiever and single, you will do and be compensated well. Plan on working long hours with sometimes very little or no accolade. If you have family, you will have to make sacrifices in order for to achieve recognition/promotion, to compete, or not be frowned upon. All the tools for professional and career growth and development are there but you'll have to do it on your own (when you have the time) with very little guidance or sometimes, respect. Be leery of managers who micro-manage, that blacklist you, or surround themselves in other people's successes or point other people's failures for personal gain.
