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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Engaged employer

The business side is run like a Mickey Mouse show - Budget Office Manager SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Employee Review

1.0
5 July 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The science is amazing, but the operational side is the problem. The science is cutting edge, but they still report time with paper time sheets.

Cons

The business side is run so inefficiently. While most places I have worked have been consensus driven environments, SLAC is an environment where EVERYONE has to agree on a solution, even if they are not directly impacted. This slows down business decisions and creates a very slow and inefficient environment. In addition, they still process many things with literal paper pushing. From a finance perspective, the systems are a mess - 2 people can query the "system" and get 2 different answers. I was hired to run a team with much less responsibility than I had in corporate America and my manager never let me actually lead the team. Nothing ever felt professional, from HR to IT, it all seemed muddled together. I gave notice after only 6 months as I was hired to help change things, but was not allowed to actually implement any change - very frustrating.

Explore other reviews about SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

5.0
30 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexibility with hours and time off Project ownership Friendly community of employees and visiting scientists/engineers

Cons

Limited upward mobility Rigid pay structure

3.0
19 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

great weather, exposure to nearby tech culture. smart coworkers.

Cons

cafeteria food is really mediocre.

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