Interesting DoD signal processing work in submarine sonar if you can live with no management (Univ. of Texas)
Pros
This *was* a research facility in Austin, Texas, where you could learn a lot about signal processing. Interesting technical work in a niche field (high-frequency sonar for submarines); offers some good signal processing and signal detection experience. Great opportunities to attend graduate school for a master's degree (they'll pay). You could even earn a Ph.D. (they'll pay) if you are truly dedicated and don't want a personal life. This is a division of The University of Texas at Austin, so close ties to higher-ed. Steady work. A few opportunities still around to explore new technology and science; they buy a lot of new computers to play with. Very flat management hierarchy: only 4 people in the chain from bottom employee to division head; Pay is decent but not great. Some travel if you like that.
Cons
These days it's become just another software production company. Turns out new feature set every 1-2 years, but very poor software quality. Not really doing much research anymore in our department; just writing code to make more GUIs. Morale is low. No Q/A, unit testing, code reviews, detailed design, or coding standards -- just "slapped-together" software that meets minimum requirements. Folks have lost a lot of pride in what they do these days. Micro-management in this division; engineers pushed into management roles with no training; management has a difficult time communicating the project vision, status, and requirements to engineers. Too often people discover they have a product or delivery due in just a few days or weeks because of poor planning by and communication from management. No bonuses or stock options. Health care benefits are good but seem pricey (about $6k/year for a family after UT kicks in their part). Very little continuing education offered except the opportunity to go to Univ. of Texas for a degree (bachelors, masters, and Ph.D.)
