Nepotism-The only reason it is tough to get into Raytheon is because it’s full of other employees children, grandchildren or other extended family. This in turn has a compounding effect on promotions/upward mobility etc. Large gatherings are essentially family reunions.
Work Life Balance-Depending on your program/situation above there can be a fair amount or absolutely none at all. Raytheon talks about 9/80 work schedules like they are commonplace but that’s a choice really made up my your individual manager. Expect to be contacted even on sick days/days off.
Management-Fortunately some managers realize the need to impart job skills on the rising generation. Others are too old or too curmudgeonly to care and let you figure it out on your own—OJT at its finest. There are other managers who actually have no idea of the processes involved and stovepipe everything / take direct credit for work done by subordinates. Higher levels of management couldn’t be bothered as they are too busy patting themselves on the back and telling each other how amazing they are.
Facilities-Some are very nice but most are ancient. Disgusting bathroom facilities, stained carpets, keyboard trays loaded with fingernails, stained chairs, aging desk setups. Unless you are at a flagship facility, don’t expect your work environment to be even palletable.