Pros
Many opportunities to establish yourself or diversify your experience. Half the staff are incredibly intelligent and capable. Nice amenities and buildings- Cafeteria, car chargers, gym etc.
Cons
Awards and government funding is fickle. the entire culture hangs on how much Funding is guaranteed; accounting and charging expectations are all over the place. Overlapping management is a quagmire of expectations, one manager wants you to go faster, another manager wants you to slow down, and at least one more is there to scrutinize, A master class in office politics. Meeting heavy culture, alot of time in meetings means more action items and less time to do them. Over-arching process' do not fit all projects; weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting as well as annual reviews and employee development take up valuable work time. A culture of you can't keep everyone happy means you need a supportive direct manager; if your manager isnt good you are going to have a rough go.