Pros
Fantastic colleagues, especially in the PNW. Good management all the way up to the West region. Challenging and interesting work if you enjoy being in a new situation every day. Get to visit places you wouldn't normally have a chance to. Get to forge real and meaningful relationships with customers. Usually weekends and holidays to yourself - no real expectation of work off regular hours. Benefits are slightly above average.
Cons
Stressful when things go sideways, which is unfortunately pretty often as instruments age. Typical of FSE life. Company likes to keep ancient equipment on contract, even when parts become scarce. Lack of applications support makes it hard to help customers.Big company decisions periodically that make little or no sense. Cost cutting over last few years have taken away good amount of incentives and hurt morale. Grandfathering in much higher TEAM-BASED performance bonuses for older employees (over double) is patently unfair and demoralizing.