Meh - werkgeversreview Research Associate bij InnoSense

- exposure to numerous government agencies and research institutes - wide range of instrumentation training and use - 50/50 split between lab work (DOE, data collection, building apparatuses etc.) and office work (data processing, presentation, technical report writing etc.) - network builder - practice of non-research-related skills such as interfacing with vendors, shipping and receiving of samples, ordering parts, buying instruments from sales reps etc - multidisciplinary projects worked A-Z for excellent big picture experience beyond the day to day tasks - ability to publish research work - some supervisors are highly qualified, very passionate, proven scientific people that are excellent to work for

- sometimes straining work environment - generally a lack of hands to produce top quality work consistently - excellent career experience for 1-2 years but a tough outlook beyond that - nepotism - great medical and dental but no bonuses, 401K, or financial incentives for engineers - upper management does not always set a professional example - upper management seems unmotivated to grow the company... content with keeping it where it is - very difficult to implement changes to the status quo of things. upper management does not take kindly to suggestions from engineers

Possibly a good situation for young scientists seeking to exercise their creativity and build the better mousetrap for the DoD, NASA, or other federal agencies. They tend not to stay long, though, at this tiny R&D outfit in LA's South Bay. Pay was not too bad. Look for Jesus in the neighborhood -- he's there.

Don't make any mistakes. Don't be late. Core hours are "7 a.m. to 7 p.m." If you are at the company party and the owner instructs you to dance, you might consider doing so. The owner is fond of quoting the "golden rule": "He who has the gold, rules." Watch out for the spores.