Over 50 years Old - Think Again - Senior Engineer CAE Employee Review

1.0
Jun 19, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I worked for this company for 10 years. No words can explain how thankful I am that I was laid off by this company. I went on to become a contractor and my earning potential as well as my self-esteem increased immeasurably!!!

Cons

Salaries start out low and stay that way. Managers will use ANYTHING and EVERYTHING against you when the yearly review comes around. I was working for them when the company was FORCED to bump up engineering salaries in order to stop a flood of Engineers quitting to go elsewhere. (At the time, the yearly increase was never more than 1.5%, no matter how good you were). The company has always had a reputation as one which only cares about its bottom line and it certainly lives up to it. Transfers to another department are only allowed at their discretion and benefit. Finally, work there when you go over the 45 years old mark OR stay there long enough to get past the 50% mark of your salary range and you automatically become a lay-off candidate. This is well known about CAE and it happened to me as well as MANY other engineers. A good friend was working for them as a low-level manager for over 12 years (putting in 50-60 hour weeks) and asked for a transfer to Ontario because his wife had transferred. He was granted the transfer with the agreement that he would be at the Montreal plant for 1 week each month (he stayed with me while in Montreal). He attended meetings in person or by video link. He did his job as efficiently as always. He thought that CAE was really appreciative of his loyalty and work ethic for the 12 years he was there. He believed them when they promised him continued employment because his move had NO effect on his performance. Then they laid him off after 3 months.

Explore other reviews about CAE

5.0
Mar 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

CAE offers the opportunity to work in a highly respected and technically advanced aviation environment. The work itself is meaningful, especially knowing the impact our services have on pilot safety and training outcomes. Many of the employees are knowledgeable, dedicated, and genuinely care about doing the right thing for clients. The Las Vegas team is collaborative, and there is a strong sense of teamwork when challenges arise. Leadership has supported improvements during periods of transition, including operational changes and facility moves, and there is exposure to multiple areas of the business that support my professional growth. CAE also provides solid benefits and stability as a global organization, which is reassuring in a fast-changing industry.

Cons

Like many large organizations, business decisions are made without the appropriate change management or the end user being considered. Resource constraints, such has limitations on hiring, particularly during periods of growth place additional strain on frontline teams. Communication and alignment between departments or Centers are inconsistent. Some operational issues would benefit from more proactive planning rather than reactive fixes. There are opportunities to further invest in tools, equipment, and infrastructure to better support employees and client.

3.0
Jun 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great team of people to work with, easy going environment, amazing benefits especially pto and sick time

Cons

Lots of nepotism among management that favor relatives or close friends for hiring, promotions, or assignments, also micro management and a get it done attitude rather than focus on quality

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