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General Atomics

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Toxic Management and Poor Pay - Technical Writer General Atomics Employee Review

1.0
Jul 28, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cafeteria food is good. The people you work with will likely share the same disdain for the company as you do.

Cons

Management is a "good ol' boys" club. Most managers lack emotional intelligence, often a lot of yelling and tantrums. As an individual contributor, you are not allowed to have an opinion, nor can you challenge poor decisions management often makes. It's highly militaristic, so anyone "above" you demands blind respect, but does not offer it in return. This environment is like a time capsule back to the 1950s. I think the worst part is that GA really thinks it's competitive, while offering the lowest salaries in the industry in a high cost of living area it can't actually afford to operate in. Pay inequality is rampant. There is a lot of lying and manipulation from senior management; they are not to be trusted. If you identify as a woman, run the other direction; the culture of GA is not conducive for women.

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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