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Sandia National Laboratories

Engaged Employer

Sandia National Laboratories reviews

4.2

78% would recommend to a friend

(1,381 total reviews)

Laura McGill

66% approve of CEO

59% positive business outlook

Sandia National Laboratories has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 1,381 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Sandia National Laboratories employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

1K reviews
4.0
Sep 30, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people are very friendly. You feel like you are part of a big family. They also had wonderful wellness program, on-going educational seminars on national policy and a 9/80 work week. Many of the employees worked there for over 30 years and came back after retiring. They are also one of the few places I know which will pay for an employee to get a master's degree or PhD. I was a contractor but they paid for $5,000 per year in training. I have never had anywhere else. As a contractor I was not subject to evaluation so I didn't have to play the games some people did.

Cons

I was contractor so I was sometimes completely ignored even though I was there for four years. It also took a long time to complete any project. Part of the problem was the need for comprehensive security and part of the problem was people didn't feel they had strict deadlines like at other companies I have worked for. If they missed a deadline, it was usually ok. The other problem was that most of the decision were made in New Mexico so the California site was often left out of the loop. Another downside was the security review. You really didn't have any privacy.

4.0
Sep 18, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The work that you'll find at Sandia is unique in the sense that it usually falls into one or more of several categories: cutting edge research, national security projects, energy-related, and computing research. One could spend a whole career at Sandia, rotating about in various positions and departments, and acquiring new skills and knowledge all the while. For those people who want to work somewhere that is doing meaningful, important work instead of cranking away in a short-sighted, profit-driven corporate environment, Sandia is an ideal place to be.

Cons

Sometimes great work requires great sacrifice; travel is not unusual, long hours (as any engineering job will require) will crop up from time to time, and having to learn something new in a short period is the norm. Overtime is provided for Techs, and flex time (1 for 1) is given for Staff. Work hard, play hard, right?

4.0
Aug 6, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sandia is an employer that is generally flexible, values its employees, and serves a noble purpose in support of the nation's security. There is a great team of people at Sandia and the benefits are pretty good as well. It is probably one of the few companies that still offers a pension. Sandia also offers a robust health/wellness program which is attractive for those interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is not uncommon for people to spend their entire career at this company; often rotating into various assignments along the way. Unlike many companies in private industry, Sandia can offer a sense of stability which is attractive to many of its employees.

Cons

Beauracracy defines Sandia. The policies and procedures, while defined, are often so rigid that they prevent sensible business solutions. Gaining exception to processes is just as redundant. Sandia's culture is very risk adverse and it has deep roots in doing things "the way they have always been done". The downside to having long term employees at this company is that there also seems to be a "pay your dues" mentality, which can be frustrating for those looking to advance quickly. Also, there is a heavy focus on gaining education from top tier schools. This is the only company that I have heard of that focuses on why potential new hires got a "C" in Art History over ten years ago.

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