Despite the size, it's a private company: what is pushed through is the will of the owner. No matter how 'high' people grow on paper they hold close-to-zero decision power. Many people reaching a leading engineering role leave as soon as they realize their creativity and intelligence cannot be put to real use, and their function is to merely execute (sometimes absurd) engineering desires.
Projects are very poorly executed, often skipping design and testing stages. No concepts of systems engineering employed, no true reviews, little guidance.
Engineering decisions are rarely taken by specialists. Critical decisions are often settled not involving anyone with experience on the subjects.
Despite many people working on hands-on projects, there is no lab facility, neither electrical nor mechanical. Engineers often bring their own private equipment from home, and it's everyday experience to have someone interrupt your work asking if you have a screwdriver to lend.
Nepotism is a reality. Favorites are usually from the owner's student fraternity. They have higher 'growth' chances, and are invited for private dinners.
The combination of a rich wallet, inefficient management, chaotic environment, and limited upward communication of true issues (perhaps due to fear of looking pessimistic, or of losing one's privileged relationship) results in engineers feeling unimportant and often frustrated.
Raises and bonuses are the first items to be scrapped off the 'red numbers' Excel sheet, and the last to be given importance to when the 'Sum' at the end of the sheet turns black again. Pharaonic multimillion parties, wastes of all kinds, gigantic subcontracting bills, and costs of poor management that are in front of everyone's eyes, are done little about.
