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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Engaged Employer

Interesting place to work and learn - Engineering Physicist SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Employee Review

4.0
May 21, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A center of interesting, world-class, cutting-edge research. Colleagues are world experts in their fields and generally a pleasure to work with. A great place to learn new things and to flesh out new ideas.

Cons

Management is a bit too risk-averse and short-sighted. Lots of good ideas are not pursued or funded for this reason. Employment is much less secure than it used to be. Starting about 2010, lab has quietly shifted from a very secure "just cause" employment status to a much less secure "at will" status. Job security is now no better than most Silicon Valley companies (lab management apparently wants to increase turnover to be in line with industry jobs). But SLAC salaries are lower than industry. Salaries will have to increase if employees are to be kept. There is a general sense that the Lab does not value employees as it once did.

Explore other reviews about SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific research while collaborating with a dedicated, intelligent team was truly rewarding.

Cons

Workload consistently increased while resources simultaneously diminished, creating a lack of backup personnel for key roles, and significant operational silos between departments hindered cross-functional collaboration.

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility with hours and time off Project ownership Friendly community of employees and visiting scientists/engineers

Cons

Limited upward mobility Rigid pay structure

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