Pros
Challanging environment that is always looking to stay ahead of the competition in terms of means, methods, and technology. Chance to work on some of the largest commercial projects in the country. Great sense of community among peers. Great perks if negotiated correctly i.e. company car, phone, severance package, great benefits package standard for all emplyees.
Cons
Expect to give up 2 weekends a month on bidding activities as well as a few 20hour bidding sessions. Expect a 60hr work week minimum. Lacks an organized and thought out training program for people entering at an entry level Project Manager/ Project Engineer position. Most development will come after being ridiculed for mistakes in front of your peers. Mobility within the company is very limited due to the organizational structure, this also in turn slows down the opportunity for raises and bonuses. Senior estimators who review projects have the ability to take credit for sales where 95-99% of the estimating, propsal writing, contracting, negotiating were performed by non senior estimator leading to a very large disparity in the sales bonus structure. Career opportunities and advancement seem to only be attained by "jumping ship" to a competitor which is a common occurence.