Pros
Above average remuneration and benefits. However this seems to be the only thing keeping most people from leaving. Have worked with some extremely talented professionals, however the good ones don't last long.
Cons
From my previous experience as an engineer in multiple roles at a major operation: - Highly reactive environment, serious issues are not treated with any urgency until they cause a problem. - A political minefield, majority of major key decision making processes I have been involved in have been to serve personal agenda's rather than focusing on best business outcomes. - Almost non-existent inter-departmental communication, very top down style management structure which does not encourage open thought or communication. - Have a range of "charter values" which are openly encouraged however in reality only put in to practice when it suits. - Very slow processes, everyone will get involved and give reasons why you can't do something, not many people actually willing to come up with solutions and approve key decisions. - Feel good safety culture which focuses on the miscellaneous and trivial, however serious issues or incidents (I have been involved in) are "swept under the rug". - Apparent corporate strategy to cut back employee numbers through "natural attrition" by preemptively implementing less desirable working conditions during market downturns. - Extremely strict work processes and procedures which discourage free thought and creativity. - Technical expertise is not valued, the company appears to manage trade and operations personnel well, however does not manage professionals well. The professional opinions of engineers are not valued. - You're either in the purple circle or you're not.