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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Engineers Beware - Electronics Engineer Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

1.0
Feb 11, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The seminars can be interesting to attend.

Cons

Campus is way overcrowded to the point the beautiful campus is hardly tolerable. Parking is dangerously packed and difficult. You can easily get in an accident so avoid driving on-site and parking. Cubicles are abysmally small - coffin sized. I’ve never seen desk spaces this small anywhere. Since it’s cheaper to hire non degreed “engineering associates”, engineers have zero job security here. High school diploma holders get most jobs and can keep them. Meanwhile, if you have a degree, you are temporary or contract and they likely won’t keep you. Pay is stagnant. Culture is toxic. Engineering is operated like a cheap, contracting company, hence using non-engineers for engineering work. It’s sad what’s happened to this institution, but American research has long been on the decline so it’s no surprise. Go into industry - this place will stall your career and skillset. Don’t waste time you could be spending growing your knowledge and skills.

Explore other reviews about Lawrence Berkeley Lab

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great collaborative environment, great views

Cons

Some parts are slower moving due to bureaucracy but LBNL is unique in that red taping is also loose in some areas allowing for quicker innovation

3.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

work life balance; World-Class User Facilities and Instruments, Top-Tier Scientific Collaboration

Cons

Temporary Nature of Early-Career Roles: For postdoctoral researchers, positions are inherently temporary. Securing a permanent Staff Scientist role at a national lab is notoriously difficult due to limited openings and highly competitive, lifelong tenures, which often forces researchers to look externally for long-term career growth.

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