Great people, great projects, poor upper middle management
Pros
The projects are challenging, great people to work with both in terms of personality and capability, first level management can be very interactive while maintaining a low maintenance approach. The right manager can be extremely grateful for hard work and will make an effort to help you with work/life balance and career development. Very flexible with personal life issues as they arise. Great place for mechanical engineers to hone their craft.
Cons
Advancement more about "time put in" than true performance. A few people are inept and sheltered from cutbacks. No raises lately so monetary motivation is severely lacking. Recent layoffs displayed a decided lack of planning from upper middle management. The industry is DYING. Outsourcing of components is shrinking the need for materials, chemical, and research engineers. No real performance management. Can be overly understanding to those with kids while demanding of those without. Advancement will probably take a significant hit during these lean times.
