Pros
• Compelling mission — working in space and robotics is genuinely exciting • Strong health benefits — competitive coverage and support • Business continuity — steady work and reduced volatility due to long-term government contracts
Cons
• Uncompetitive pay — 50% of engineering firms offer higher base salaries; there’s no profit sharing, and bonuses are reserved for managers and above • Inconsistent remote work policy — leadership often bypasses the on-site requirement while enforcing it for others, creating frustration and inequality • Disparities across locations — unionized sites provide better pay and benefits compared to non-unionized ones • Weak onboarding and training — new hires receive limited support and development opportunities • No clear career pathing — progression opportunities are vague or nonexistent • Toxic workplace behavior — reports of harassment are not taken seriously or properly addressed • Lax safety culture — safety training and protocols are inconsistently enforced, compromising workplace safety • Lack of transparency — secrecy and poor communication from leadership erode trust • No DEI framework — there is no formal diversity, equity, and inclusion program, policy, or clear approach to accommodating disabilities • High turnover of ambitious talent — driven, high-potential employees often leave due to limited growth opportunities and lack of support (see employee turnover in the HR dept).
