Pros
--Opportunities for working on on cutting-edge technology given you can get up to date with the professionals. -Most knowledgeable, patient, highly-skilled, and energetic engineers in the RF/Microwave industry. -They often take you out to lunch or dinner at amazing restaurants! -Everyone is very eager to help each other. There is no competition, and more collective effort. -There is a great flexible time off option. -Not very rushed or demanding managers or mentors. They provide ample time for you to learn. -Everyone provides their time for you. -Lunch Ping pong fanatics. -Managers do not micromanage. They adopt a supportive role and make you feel like the manager on all scales, until it comes to monetary decisions. -Seldom, employees offered classes on their product designs, and basic EE concepts. -Encourages and financially supports purchasing books to learn, and Masters education. -Highly structured internship program that incorporates presentations, CEO meetings, mixers, etc... -Up-to-date on latest C#/Matlab/SPICE simulation technologies, and development methodologies.
Cons
-Very narrow project/work depending on the department you are in. Most work are not translatable to other companies for Software Engineers. -Very stingy with money and investments into newer technology such that it feels the company is squeezing itself to just barely survive. -Not a lot of innovation due to lack of investments in some departments. -Payscale varies based on department and job position. Extremely low entry-level pay in some departments. -Felt more like I was fixing bugs, running simulations, and working around old systems rather than doing something on the cutting-edge sometimes. -Sometimes, co-workers are very unhappy due to company politics (stepped-over, clean desk enforcements, etc...), or cost-cuts. -Indirectly expect high performance from new hires, and subtly monitor them.