Complete dissillusionment in disguise - Software Engineer II Northrop Grumman Employee Review

2.0
21 Apr 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

One of the well-known organisations in the defence sector in the western world. Each sector of the corporation operates with many projects that offer plentiful development opportunity for those that stay long enough and endure the hardship of living with minuscule pay in high-cost areas. A lot of development resources are available to anyone with the equipments and time to access them.

Cons

Each sector of the corporation operates independently with seemingly zero synergy. The legacy Information System sector was the cheapest sector of the corporation that offered woeful compensation package. IS was the only sector that stopped pension and other retirement programme to supplement 401K. Therefore any legacy IS employees in the current corporate structure will have to make do with working with colleagues that collect much more handsome salaries and retirement package. Transfer between projects is a simple change of job locations and description because salary raise is never a possibility. Work-life balance is non-existent for ground-level employees. Managers cannot be bothered to say 'thank you' when one works through the night to deliver something to make deadline and overtime work is never paid. Anyone foolish enough to demonstrate loyalty and dedication is rewarded with an universally given 3 for average for annual performance rating. As with annual salary raises, anything above 2.5% should be considered a gift from God. There is hope however because favouritism is rampant. Anyone lucky enough to secure a senior manager's affection or has connection with high-level leadership can walk the easy paths paved with rose petals. The company spends a lot of money on employee development but only if employee has a company computer to access the resources. For everyone else that uses only project computers hopes and dreams is the only available option. For anyone that hopes to join because Northrop Grumman was the maker of the F-14 Tomcat and the B-2 Spirit, look elsewhere. Those glory days are long gone and never again.

Explore other reviews about Northrop Grumman

5.0
29 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible work arrangement, 9/80 schedule, job security

Cons

Low pay, full time on site required for career growth

1.0
11 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Not much pros but talented coworkers.

Cons

I joined expecting a long-term career and initially had a positive experience. Unfortunately, the culture changed significantly after leadership transitions. Micromanagement increased, decision-making became highly centralized, and employee morale steadily declined. Many experienced employees and managers left during my time there, making it difficult to maintain continuity and trust within the organization. The work itself was meaningful, and I had the opportunity to support important projects with talented colleagues. However, recognition, career growth, and employee retention did not appear to receive the same level of attention as process, reporting, and management oversight. My layoff was communicated as unrelated to performance, which was appreciated. However, after years of contribution and institutional knowledge, the overall experience left me feeling that employees were viewed as replaceable rather than valued long-term assets.

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