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General Atomics

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Lots of process and red tape - Operations General Atomics Employee Review

3.0
Mar 15, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Many opportunities to establish yourself or diversify your experience. Half the staff are incredibly intelligent and capable. Nice amenities and buildings- Cafeteria, car chargers, gym etc.

Cons

Awards and government funding is fickle. the entire culture hangs on how much Funding is guaranteed; accounting and charging expectations are all over the place. Overlapping management is a quagmire of expectations, one manager wants you to go faster, another manager wants you to slow down, and at least one more is there to scrutinize, A master class in office politics. Meeting heavy culture, alot of time in meetings means more action items and less time to do them. Over-arching process' do not fit all projects; weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting as well as annual reviews and employee development take up valuable work time. A culture of you can't keep everyone happy means you need a supportive direct manager; if your manager isnt good you are going to have a rough go.

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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