The work experience at Raytheon is largely defined by the excellent job security.
Pros
Raytheon SAS produces a products that are generally insulated from the cycles of general economy, so having a job at Raytheon during a recession is preferable for the job security. Applications for top secret security clearances are filed for almost all engineers, and having a security clearance makes one more marketable, at least if one wants to work in the defense industry. Also, being in the defense industry means that work will not be outsourced. The pay, benefits, flexible work hours, and understanding culture makes a Raytheon job perfect for someone who has a family to support. The work environment is generally respectful of individuals and civil. Engineers who are female, live with a disability, or are considered a member of a minority group are given substantial opportunities for advancement in middle management.
Cons
Since job security is so good at Raytheon, risk-averse people tend to populate the ranks of Raytheon's employees. This means a fairly conservative stance toward the exploration of new technologies, adoption of new processes, and promotion of new and young employees. The ranks of middle management tend to fill with process-minded people who value regiment to a fault. Creative, big-idea types don't tend to find themselves in position to make decisions. Underqualified people also tend to hang around longer than they should, which means qualified employees tend to pick up the slack. Respect towards people is excellent, at least when it comes to personal interactions. However, the bureaucratic nature of the company tends to make employees feel unempowered, ignored, and unappreciated.
