Stable company but very risk averse; beware career stagnation and business stovepipes - Anonymous employee MKS Instruments Employee Review

2.0
Jul 16, 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

+ Stable company - almost a job for life (though in same role...) + Low pressure, low key + Good work/life balance + Some nice and smart people to work with. Generally good people overall. + Management and even senior management can be personally thoughtful while still goal-driven, which is a pleasant surprise at a large company. + Generally good benefits

Cons

- Only really focused on semiconductor industry - Very risk averse; it's easier to say no than try something out - Corporate goals are not communicated nor translated to divisional goals - Company will spend little money to upgrade infrastructure, IT, or tools. It is very disappointing to use outdated or inadequate tools and technologies in 2013, and to have worn-out fixtures in tired buildings. - Little/no cross-business unit or cross-functional initiatives or contact. Meeting anyone outside your business unit is very rare, let alone developing professional and personal relationships among peers, especially those outside the Boston area. - Little career direction or training. - Extremely tight with any spending - "penny wise and pound foolish" and it reflects in disheartened employees (see also lack of job tools/training corporate culture and employee recognition) - Individual fiefdoms are allowed to the detriment of new ideas and opportunities

Explore other reviews about MKS Instruments

5.0
Jun 13, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very people first culture and wonderful place to work

Cons

None come to mind at the moment

4.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

overall good people working here

Cons

pay can be on the lower side

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