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General Atomics

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Expensive Rates, more expensive than the top tier Defense companies. - Systems Engineer General Atomics Employee Review

4.0
Apr 7, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Many IRAD programs, many small diverse projects, benefits are good. If there is not work they put people on overhead for months. Free EV chargers. Company is willing to try anything to get their foot in the door on new business.

Cons

Rates are expensive, no long term project to plan multi years out, lay-off every two three years, pay raises less than 3% on avg for the last 6 years. Lots of turnover. 600 laid of in 2020, 160 laid off in 2021, 140 in 2022, at least that many leave for greener pastures. Lots of directors.

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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