Heavy on poltics, short on opportunities - Embedded Software Engineer John Deere Employee Review

2.0
May 6, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very stable company that isn't going to fold up when the economy hits a rough patch Fun product to work on if you like big machines 401K match and health benefits were very good

Cons

Politics within the Product Engineer Center can be exceptionally thick at times. Cross the wrong person by disagreeing with them and you can be marked for life. This can leave you blocked from leaving your current role or current group if someone above you feels you should not advance. Advancement is very heavily influenced by who you know, rather than ability. If you're not part of the "in" crowd, you're not going to advance within the organziation regardless of your abilities or contributions to the company. Managers are often put in roles leading people doing work which the manager has minimal understanding of, yet the manager does not listen to their staff. Most locations are around Iowa are undesirable unless you're from a small town or a farming community originally.

Explore other reviews about John Deere

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Money was above average for industry

Cons

Leadership deteriorated due to influx of people

3.0
Jun 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting problems and good access to latest tools to do the job. Motivated coworkers

Cons

Upper management is absurdly disconnected from doing anything remotely valuable. They are useless. All vision and innovation comes from the lowest levels. We really don't need directors and above at this company - they take large salaries and promote the idiots instead of the innovators.

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