Great place to get ahead if you take the initiative - Associate Engineer Genentech Employee Review

5.0
23 July 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-True work / life balance is actually encouraged (and not just verbally) -Widespread industry recognition, great place to make a name for yourself -Extremely collaborative, many cross-functional teams that allow you to expand expertise into new areas -Management is excellent; clear communication for the most part, honest concern for employees, very open to ideas and feedback -Social atmosphere is excellent. Rigorous hiring process means people are both intelligent and fit with the company culture of awesomeness.

Cons

-Can move slowly if nobody champions an initiative. -SF area is expensive, and pay (while good for most areas) can seem to lag behind the area's growth. -Business processes can be bloated, navigating them can be difficult. There are active efforts to improve this.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
6 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

3.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

2
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