Pros
Some of the best and brightest people to work with. Work life balance is fine if you don't abuse your time and do your work as required. Location does have a lot to offer. Adirondacks/Canada to NYC, Boston to Buffalo all well within 1/2 day drive. Area rich in history. Local institutions such as RPI, UNION, & Albany State offer classes to expand you knowledge. (Ask about tuition refund)
Cons
Management is pulled from current ranks. Most if not all are not trained in the skills needed to lead people. Although some are good, most are on an ego trip. Employment threats and demeaning behavior is rampant especially in the materials sector of the lab. Backbiting and torpedoing are common practice as well as demoralizing attitudes. This has been going on for decades. Folks are told to “tell it like it is”. A word of advice? Don’t do it or you will be singled out and subsequently punished. Mr. Culp needs to take notice.