You can go anywhere if you know who to talk to. - Anonymous employee General Atomics Employee Review

3.0
Jun 5, 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company provides great opportunities to those who are capable of creating relationships with the small community of people who do the work. There is no shortage of challenging, rewarding work to do and the people (who do the work) you get to work with are top notch. Transfers between groups are easy but if you want to "climb the ladder" look elsewhere. The senior management positions are for life and to get promoted someone has to retire or pass away. On the upside you can be rewarded for your hard work with out of cycle pay raises and a nice bonus around Christmas time. The 9-80 work schedule is really nice too. The culture in my group encourages a strong work life balance and you are not disturbed on your time off.

Cons

There is a lack of accountability at all levels of the organization which make it very difficult to maintain a schedule or adhere to a budget. This, in turn, creates a culture in which to slide is normal and there is no sense of urgency to any program or project.

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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