If it were a kennel, it would be shut down by now; not fit for a dog. - Anonymous employee McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
3 May 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The benefits are really solid. They offer full tuition reimbursement with no commitment clause or industry related discipline requirement. The health benefits are particularly stellar in this environment, but not unheard of.

Cons

This company is micro-managed to the 26th power. The minutia can be overwhelming. The culture is very cult-like. Inquiries and constructive criticism are not tolerated; it is very totalitarian. The management staff is comprised primarily of inexperienced youth. They arrive as management trainees typically out of undergrad and at the ripe age of 22 will manage staff 2-3 times their age and vastly more experienced. Staff is comprised of deflated demoralized cogs who entered the company with hopes of contributing and having their contributions recognized through advancements. They are rewarded with lateral moves and the lucky few are awarded the opportunity to facilitate or coordinate tasks which is really distillation and delegation of management duties without the empowerment or the compensation. Staff members who are well liked due to obedience, but are not competent in their roles are shuffled around departments instead of being terminated. Conversely, intelligent and competent staff members who do not tow the line are quickly terminated. The attrition rate rivals the fast food industry. There is no opportunity for advancement if you do not enter as a management trainee. Most staff members who were promoted have been demoted. Management does not fair much better. After they have been used to terminate the employees who dare question the status quo or demand respect, they too are ejected. There is little to no integrity among staff or management. A colleague or superior who once had your back, will turncoat quickly if they think it might lead to a promotion or favor which is odd considering there is no loyalty. There is no rhyme or reason to anything that occurs and goals are a moving target that are not communicated as new direction. Instead, the changed goals are communicated as feedback or an annual evaluation. There is not consistent feedback or development. Rather, one conversation becomes the thesis of your annual evaluation whether the conversation was positive or negative. The management should learn the difference between a comment by owners and senior management and a directive. Rarely are directives issued. When a comment is made, entire processes are changed without comprehension or an objective. I have never seen a place with such low morale. Morale may not even exist. You can find happier employees at the DMV.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
14 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
16 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All