Pros
- Pretty interesting work available (I rather like my job), work with F-18s and weapons (I do flight test and systems engineering) - Flexibility, every other Fri off (a 5/4-9 Compressed Plan) plenty of earned leave and I've never been told "No" when I wanted to use some - Huge variety of potential jobs/tasking for an engineer - Relatively easy to switch jobs (tasking) within the job/area, or assume the level of responsibility you feel comfortable with, slightly harder to switch to a job at a different Navy site - "Great place to raise a family" (not so great otherwise, see cons), great for hiking, biking, off-road activities (when it's not too hot), and plenty of religious activities (if you're into that) - Relatively low cost of living, short commutes to work, offset somewhat by frequent urges to leave town - Job stability and security
Cons
- Added responsibility doesn't usually translate to more pay (moving into management does though) - Location... not the greatest town, boring, in the middle of nowhere, not much "culture", mediocre restaurants (a handful are decent) - The WIND (gets pretty darned windy in spring and fall), the heat in July and August (highs frequently around 105-110) - You'll have at least 3 bosses in any job, some are great, most are good, some are idiots, but I imagine that's the case anywhere - It is the government, so there's not much hands on engineering (there is some though), most engineering is contracted out then monitored by the government - Very conservative/religious community, I suppose this can be a pro for some (most?) but it's a con for me as an atheist, it is tough to speak openly about my lack of religion without feeling "judged", admittedly I've never been openly criticized though, most people are pretty friendly