Soul Crushing Beltway Bandit - Anonymous employee SAIC Employee Review

2.0
3 Feb 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Health insurance is cheap and OK. Client site is ok when the need arises to go out and see the light of day.

Cons

I've never worked for a company so bent into tormeting employees into submission and compliance than SAIC. Like other Beltway Bandits it is a company deeply mired in a government/military mindset (of operation and profit taking) that just doesn't fit in the twenty first century. You're reminded constantly about ethics not for your sake but for theirs. Immediate supervisors and managers are very removed from you; if you have not been here for more than three years you are an outsider. Time keeping policies are stiffling, obsesive-cumpulsive and oppresive (in the last month I've had mine rejected four times for little things). It quickly becomes a dead-end job and you dread waking up each morning to face your commute, spend eight gruelling hours at your desk and pray for time to go fast so you can leave. You're basically a cog in the machine. Period. Heck, there aren't even supplies in the kitchen or the work area I was in (i.e., basics like napkins, spoons, cups, pencils, pens). I bought my own pens, pencils and cups from the CVS down the street. What does this remind you of? The word you're thinking of starts with a 'P'. You have to use client computers, which are boarded up ('secured') so much, you can't even use SAICs own document management systems correctly. And let's not get started on the quality of the projects you do. If you've been in a government project before you've seen it: milk the government for all the time you can, while you can. No quality, no real management of the issues that the government has, outdated ideas, you get the point. If you get a call from an SAIC recruiter, just politely tell them to go away. The guys at HQ have it good. If you have TS/SCI clearance and I guess if you work at a really exotic location (e.g., research) you're good too. Otherwise, it is hell. Stay away.

Explore other reviews about SAIC

5.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

The SAIC management on my contract are excellent.

Cons

After completing my first years, I have no complaints. My SAIC experience has been everything that I had hoped.

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SAIC Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We wish you continued success and appreciate your efforts in making SAIC such a great place to work.
3.0
9 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Current Leadership: The management structure has stabilized significantly, and my current supervisor is excellent—supportive, engaged, and great to work with. Excellent Team Culture: The coworkers here are fantastic. There is a strong sense of camaraderie, and the team is incredibly supportive. Strong Compensation & Growth: The base pay is competitive and fair, and there is excellent opportunity for extra pay and overtime. From a professional development standpoint, I have learned an immense amount in my field over the past year. Enjoyable Travel: Excellent opportunities for work-related travel that adds great variety to the day-to-day routine.

Cons

Management Inconsistency Early On: My first supervisor took zero interest in team well-being, or development and the second had significant temperament issues that ultimately led to their departure. While it has been resolved now, Apparently management here like a lot of places is hit and miss. Heavy Workload: The workload can feel a bit overwhelming and intense at times. Striking a consistent work-life balance remains a challenge under the current demands. Role Expectation Mismatch: Some of the technical responsibilities and projects I have handled since joining were not clearly outlined or explained during the interview process. Navigating these unstated expectations alongside an already heavy workload has been a significant challenge.

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