Pros
Great opportunities for career development - many who start in the Engineering Services department move on to development, project management and even sales. Hires in the Engineering Services department gain great transferable skills. Opportunities for international travel, especially to the Netherlands. Social events every few months, including horse racing and curry nights, but the main event is the Christmas party, which is a weekend in a five-star hotel with a black-tie dinner. Good salary, even for new starters.
Cons
Long hours - you are expected generally to stay for at least an hour extra each day, longer if deadlines are approaching, although the situation in this regard has improved in recent years and is no longer as bad as some of the previous reviews describe it. No overtime pay, though your salary makes up for this at least in part. You may find it difficult to achieve a good work-life balance. Bracknell is incredibly boring with rather little going on, though this may improve in 2017 when the rebuilt town centre opens. Alternatively, it's easily commutable from Reading. Senior engineers are often too busy to provide help and training to new hires.