MITRE System Engineer reviews

Incredibly poor management at every level - executives couldn't be more out of touch. An extreme lack of transparency exists across the management hierarchy and as a result, the company is run very inconsistently. For every ambitious individual you meet, there are about ten more who are content delivering the bare minimum or less. This is not to say that MITRE lacks talent, just expect to go well out of your way to find those pockets of exceptional staff to work with. Unfortunately, it seems that this company is losing sight of its core values. MITRE used to be about doing challenging work and serving the public interest; however, the company culture has now shifted to take on a more commercial feel ie. over-hiring, "butts in seats", taking on staff augmentation work. The difference between MITRE as an FFRDC and any other government contractor is rapidly dissolving, which is a shame. MITRE recently hired many "early career professionals" with no real plans on how to manage them - there is no assurance of their growth or even their added value to sponsors. I am confident that the new Team-based learning and Development program (TBLD) will not change this. The amount of nepotism I've witnessed in my short tenure at MITRE is very disappointing. MITRE also just lifted a policy that limited the referral of family members so now it's even easier for nepotism to proliferate. Promotions are difficult to come by at MITRE and it doesn't help that they are given based on luck, not merit. Certain program divisions will promote you for simply existing. However, bust your butt for years in a tech center and you might get considered for a promotion IF you threaten to leave the company first. MITRE is no place for mid-career professionals, which is why the company is experiencing retention issues. This company used to be known for employing "experts" and "academics". This reputation doesn't exactly hold true anymore.