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General Atomics

Is this your company?

All the negatives of a small company combined with all the downsides of a large company. - Software Developer General Atomics Employee Review

1.0
Feb 8, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people are nice, atmosphere is fairly laid back, and there's lots of opportunity to do different things and move between programs. It's fairly easy to stand out if you're smart and willing to advocate for yourself.

Cons

Management is adamant about no option for 9/80 workweeks. Management frequently makes decisions despite the objections from engineering, then blames the engineers when things don't work out. Arbitrary deadlines often drive bad design compromises. Processes are followed in name only. If you work on IRAD projects it's not uncommon to find yourself having to go begging for filler work because your main charge number shut down for weeks or even months. Attrition is high, and a lot of the new hires are recent grads willing to settle for very low salaries.

Explore other reviews about General Atomics

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very good work life balance

Cons

9 hour shifts 4 days a week

3.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mostly good people and skilled engineers that are easy to work with and great to learn from across all groups/locations. There is opportunity to pursue technical areas of interest and to stand out by leading improvement efforts. The company is flexible and often facilitates changes according to interest. Sense of job security generally feels good and stable, the greater GA really backs the Space division. The greater company works on some really interesting and cool things, beyond just defense. Pay is pretty good. Experience with most middle management (of engineers) has been positive, they typically advocate and support their employees.

Cons

Unsure of division leadership and strategic direction. Overall impression is that engineers' perspectives are not adequately weighted in both proposals and certain decisions for active missions. Processes burden performance, though there is intention for constant improvement. Ignoring engineering concerns (i.e. with schedule) + process burdens often result in delays and increased pressure, and therefore a less than ideal working environment at times. Overtime pay is not guaranteed but can be approved. Working with teams in different locations can lead to tension and "silo-ing" (though not always). Space division is becoming mostly defense focused (an industry trend), but would be nice to continue work in the civil earth and space science arena. They also demo'd a nice cafeteria/gathering space for more work/equipment space.

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