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General Atomics

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Good Employer, not recommended for long term - Engineering Manufacturing Liaison General Atomics Employee Review

3.0
Sep 12, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

General Atomics is a very stable employer. They do not have layoffs like many other defense companies. Salaries are competitive for new employees. Convenient cafeterias and gyms. 401K match and a company paid pension fund make for a good retirement plan. Excellent company to gain experience at for 3-5 years, especially for young engineers. 9/80 schedule provides long weekends every other week (for those who don't end up working).

Cons

Lack of layoffs means the company is sometime reluctant to staff up for short term spikes which requires longer hours of employees. Work/life balance could use some improvement. Long term employees will not see their pay increase with industry levels, even with outstanding annual reviews (hence the "not recommended for long term" in the title).

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Explore other reviews about General Atomics

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very good work life balance

Cons

9 hour shifts 4 days a week

3.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mostly good people and skilled engineers that are easy to work with and great to learn from across all groups/locations. There is opportunity to pursue technical areas of interest and to stand out by leading improvement efforts. The company is flexible and often facilitates changes according to interest. Sense of job security generally feels good and stable, the greater GA really backs the Space division. The greater company works on some really interesting and cool things, beyond just defense. Pay is pretty good. Experience with most middle management (of engineers) has been positive, they typically advocate and support their employees.

Cons

Unsure of division leadership and strategic direction. Overall impression is that engineers' perspectives are not adequately weighted in both proposals and certain decisions for active missions. Processes burden performance, though there is intention for constant improvement. Ignoring engineering concerns (i.e. with schedule) + process burdens often result in delays and increased pressure, and therefore a less than ideal working environment at times. Overtime pay is not guaranteed but can be approved. Working with teams in different locations can lead to tension and "silo-ing" (though not always). Space division is becoming mostly defense focused (an industry trend), but would be nice to continue work in the civil earth and space science arena. They also demo'd a nice cafeteria/gathering space for more work/equipment space.

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