Good at face value, but.... - Senior Software Developer Instrument Employee Review

3.0
Oct 5, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Constant events, and executive leadership vision. Really enjoyed the company as a concept. The work was interesting and the contracts were with big brands that are great on the resume that everyone would recognize.

Cons

As a software developer, you aren't going anywhere in this company. You are treated as a burden and a source of profit hemorrhage. No producer will understand anything technical you are trying to say, but will immediately ask you when it is done by. After a grueling project is shipped, expect to be put into another grueling project the day after. It's a meat grinder, and a LOT of great talent has left. 8 of the best developers I have worked with are gone within a year. That's not a coincidence, that's a sign of a bad environment for developer talent.

Explore other reviews about Instrument

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company with great people. Seamless life, work balance, and a very nice company culture.

Cons

No big cons as far as my concern. The pay can be slightly better, but it's okay compared to other agencies' standards.

3.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people here are great. Every team feels fairly connected, even for a 250+ person agency. Work/life balance is the best I've experienced at an agency so far. Pay is fair and scales depending on where you live and your experience overall. Work has the potential to be interesting, but most clients we bring in are not looking for ground-breaking work.

Cons

The benefits are not extraordinary, other than generous PTO. Recently removed a sabbatical program. Layoffs that come as a surprise, with scrambles only months later to fill the eliminated roles. Freelance hiring is hit or miss. Publicly-owned with a parent company that doesn't align with Instrument's morals. Leadership feels fairly disconnected and not genuinely interested in resolving the low morale amongst the larger team. Seemingly more interested in advertising themselves and using AI than in focusing on craft and high-quality projects. Constant leadership departures create anxiety.

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