Pros
A lot of companies hold the mantra that “it’s all about the people” but this company means it (and backs it up with action). How many companies in today’s economy and constantly rising healthcare costs provide 100% healthcare? Not just for the employee but their family as well. CSA brags about this and they should. Few companies put their money where their mouth is. They do. If you’re roll up your sleeves and get the job done kind of a person who is willing to put in the hard work it takes to make a place a great place to work you’ll fit in at CSA well. However, if you want promotions and money for just sticking around this isn’t the place for you. Hard work and positive attitude is absolutely rewarded at CSA. Just because you think your idea is good doesn’t mean it’s actually good or cost effective. However, all ideas are heard. Just be ready to hear constructive feedback. That doesn’t sit well with everyone but personally I see it as a huge positive. CSA gives people the change to prove they have what it takes and helps new leaders lead. Learning to manage people isn’t always easy and not all companies give you the chance to prove you can do it. They’d rather hire a proven leader from the open market. CSA prefers to promote from within, giving people a shot to prove they can do it. And even if you make mistakes they help you through it so you can learn from the experience. Don’t take my word... CSA has been named as one of San Diego’s great places to work by the Union Tribune and one of the best places to work in Pennsylvania for 4 years running. It was also recognized as an Inc 5000 fastest growing company for two years running with 3-year growth of 111%. Google it and check for yourself.
Cons
I think all rapidly growing companies have issues they work through. They screw things up, irritate the employees, learn from it, fix it, and do it better the next time. Communication to the entire company isn't always as effective as it could be (although I think this has been an issue at every place I've ever worked, big and small). In most cases communication is left up to the Managers on the floor and they don't always do it consistently. All organizations have a personality (most people call it culture). CSA has the right steps in place to make sure people they hire are a good fit but they don't stick to it 100% of the time when the pressure is on to make a hire. Hiring someone just to fill a spot is bad news because if they don't fit they're going to be miserable (as a few reviews here indicate). CSA is entrepreneurial and growing. They expect you to be flexible and understand that small growing companies want people to pitch in and help and roll with the changes. If you don't buy into that then you'll hate it. The defense industry tends to be very personality driven and focuses more on "perception of value" vice actual value. Being a nice guy/gal that people get along with is sometimes more important than actually doing a good job. Although this isn't really a CSA issue it is an industry issue they face just like all of the others in this space.