Pros
-Cradle-to-grave lifecycle of space hardware measured in months, not years or decades. I saw my designs fly to the ISS 8 months after I started. -A culture that prioritizes functionality and capability over flight legacy/risk aversion. This in turn drives innovation, elegant design, clever solutions, and utilization of emerging technologies. Completely avoids the "Well, we know this decade-old technology worked before, so we'll just use it in perpetuity," mentality that makes all good engineers sad pandas. -Highly meritocratic structure. Promotions, bonuses, and raises are based entirely on performance. (The only thing seniority gets you is nicer parking.) -Free frozen yogurt and coffee. Frequent free gourmet food. -Stock options. -Flexible (albeit lengthy) hours. Work-from-home options. -Working with the most intelligent, dedicated and (increasingly) accomplished engineers and technicians in the field. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with and learn from my team. Good sense of humor all around, too.
Cons
-Persistently lengthy work hours, occasionally brutal. (Orbital mechanics wait for no one.) -Some groups can develop a toxic interpersonal work environment when mismanaged for a long period of time. Not for people who: -Want to work a 9-5. -Can't work weekends at least some of the time. -Can't/won't innovate. -Need handholding.
