Pros
Large and stable place to work due to long-term government sponsorships. Not much pressure to generate new business or to work long hours on proposals Mostly nice colleagues and respect for work-life balance
Cons
Not the best for ambitious types Slow advancement beyond entry-level positions Poor people skills and people management systems Looking back, I am glad I left MITRE when I did. It is a large and somewhat stodgy non-profit government contractor that gets a slice of funding from federal agencies. Once known as a go-to systems engineering resource, it is now trying to rebrand itself under the confusing moniker “solving problems for a safer world.” At the working level, people are friendly and dedicated. Pay and benefits are good, but people management is poor. It is probably best for interns and entry-level young grads who can get quick experience on customer programs before moving on; and late careerists/retirees who want to coast into an easy work routine. If you are mid-career and ambitious or entrepreneurial, you are likely to get frustrated at the slow pace of advancement and roadblocks to delivering tangible products.