Pros
* Interesting applications (like radar/communications) * There's a better work/life balance than what I've experienced at smaller companies. The managers that I've had have understood the need for time off, flexible time, time to handle family emergencies etc. Also, I'm finally working for a company where I was able to save my vacation time and take longer vacations. * The time between Christmas and New Years (plus a day or two before and after) is defined as "vacation" * Even though they don't offer a pension for new hires, there's 401K matching and the retirement contribution is more generous than what I've previously experienced. * I've found that salaries are competitive
Cons
*Success is dependent on internal politics rather than a person's skills and/or work ethics. The old Hughes people hold on to the power, as well as the good work assignments, regardless of whether they're the best qualified. New hires are left with or given the worst assignments - usually which are WAY below one's skill level leaving a great deal of wasted talent. And all because of politics! *Job instability. Layoffs are constantly rumoured. * Promotions are slow, especially at the higher levels. * Experienced MUCH slower growth in my engineering career here than with former employers . For example I learned more in the 1 year at the start up company that I was with than I've learned at Raytheon in the 3+ years that I've been there.