Nice place to work, benefits below industry - Principal Engineer BAE Systems Employee Review

4.0
Jul 20, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I’m newer to the company but not the industry. That being said, the company has a vast amount of interesting work across different sectors. They are very supportive of what you want to do with your career. I see myself trying a different role perhaps outside of engineering.

Cons

I took the job not for the benefits, but despite the below industry benefits (U.S specific). Paltry PTO and holidays particularly for new hires. Christmas time shutdown is common in this industry but BAE says no. 401k very well below other defense primes and there are no performance based bonuses below very high level grades—I think maybe 14. Healthcare not as good and more expensive compared to where I was. Ultimately my base pay put me over the edge to join BAE but I’m finding they are cheap with their employees in many aspects of our total compensation.Im slightly optimistic it improves in the coming years but we shall see.

Explore other reviews about BAE Systems

5.0
May 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people and pay, 401k benefits.

Cons

Tough work environment and difficult work load.

4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great culture, lots of modernization efforts.

Cons

Changing of the guard difficulties but that’s across all contractors.

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