Pros
My experience is with the old Hughes part of Raytheon based in El Segundo, CA. Work / Life Balance Good benefits Competitive Pay Good line management Freedom to explore different disciplines Wide variety of technologies to work with: Over the years I have worked as a Test Engineer, Software Engineer (Enterprise and Embedded) , System Engineer, System Architect, Network Architect, Software Architect, etc... I was very lucky that my management let me explore various technology disciplines. Throughout my 32 years I stayed on the technical track which I love. I never had an interest in management and always had the choice to stay technical. After 32 years I retired and started a new career at another Defense contractor.
Cons
Like all organizations you must find the right fit. Not all managers and / or programs are a positive experience. Some areas of the company are cliquish which can lead to group think and a suppression of ideas. Line management catering to the views of the program at expense of the group even though it may be detrimental to the overall success of the program in the long run Incompetent management. Going forward on a project without proper system engineering which leads to an inferior results and an unsuccessful program. As with all large corporations the list can go on and on.. However this is in the minority at Raytheon / Hughes in El Segundo, CA.