Probably not a good place for Software Engineers - Software Engineer Michaels Employee Review

1.0
Sep 12, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. When they first started hiring engineers in 2020, Michaels got some really brilliant engineers. They think tech, act tech and also plan like it. But everything turned downhill very quickly. 2. Pay is very good if you live in Texas. But I doubt there is any growth opportunities. 3. Pretty much do whatever you want on the projects.

Cons

1. The initial teams built a very good blueprint for the current Michaels.com and currently they're just trying to hold on to it. I don't think they're trying to get more people in US. Instead, they're hiring more and more people in China such that they can build upon the foundation that the US team built. 2. You don't really learn anything in the long term. Yes, you do get a glimpse of how to build up an application quickly and see how things work in a small startup . But their applications are not scalable. 3. Pretty toxic culture in the managerial levels. Everyone only cares about deadline and great presentation. Not sure this is a good place to stay in the long term.

Explore other reviews about Michaels

5.0
Feb 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Had a really lovely recruiter w/ clear email communication back and forth. Process was a phone screen followed by an interview.

Cons

Interviewers were slightly late to the interview. Lots of technical questions, no leetcode style ones though.

2.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some great co-workers, employee discount, on site office benefits including a gym and cafe for breakfast/lunch, full suite of employee benefits at reasonable prices

Cons

Ridiculous amount of stress. Retail in general is often stressful but the amount of stress at Michaels is unnecessary and over the top. Constant last-minute changes by leadership to creative, promotions, products, and any other kind of changes. Things will be finalized and signed off on and delivered, and somebody will make a change at the last minute and things are constantly having to be redone. People are worn down and worn out. It’s the highest turnover rate of any place I’ve worked in retail at the corporate office. I’ve seen people take jobs and be gone within weeks. Leadership in some departments are extremely micromanaging and controlling even with employees that are tenured and have multiple years of experience. The stress level for both tenured and new employees is very high. Projects get discussed over and over and over again, decisions are made and then revisited again after decisions were made making delivery late and causing people to work unnecessarily in order to fix things that could’ve been done correctly the first time. The company tries really hard to make the workplace fun and offer activities, motivation, and incentives. Unfortunately they don’t offset what the environment is like working inside with some of the teams and expectations to actually deliver the work. Would not recommend.

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