Pros
I had a happy 5 year work history as a contract employee. I gave that up to work for Arch Systems as a part time as a Sr. Claims Analyst on a quality contract for which Arch is prime. Thus far, it's been a good decision. I worked briefly with a previous poster who said that this company is just good for paycheck. I strongly disagree. If all you want is a paycheck - go somewhere else that expects less of you. To work here you have to be smart, capable, committed and nimble. You have to want to work hard, support your team and rise to meet the challenges that come with servicing a government contract. When you get frustrated, and you will, you have to be professional and know enough to not to let YOUR issues become TEAM issues. The project team that I work with, including the sub-contractors, is collaborative and supportive. The owners clearly work very hard and pour their energies into the company. I don't think you can throw stones until it's YOUR name on the company and the buck stops with you.
Cons
Working for a small business, like Arch, is always a double edge sword: the benefits are great - like having daily access to the decision makers and seeing your ideas recognized and having your opinions heard. However, small businesses often make sudden course corrections without notice, so you have to be able to flex with changing company priorities. I can't comment on the adequacy of the benefit packages they offer since I don't avail myself of their offering.
