Second Nature Reviews

NOTE: They remove negative reviews and encourage current employees to leave positive reviews *** During my time in engineering, such high turnover of leadership that engineering teams were often left many months with no direct leadership for supervisor or project management. Pays below market. Many weeks of 60+ hours with no reprieve. Toxic culture that encourages you to drink at all events or risk being fired. Mentorship was nowhere to be found, Watched a junior engineer be moved over only to be fired a few months later even though they were a success to the company.

Cons: Promotions Without Raises: Advancing in title rarely comes with an immediate pay increase. In many cases, raises—if they happen at all—come six months to a year after you take on the new responsibilities. Lack of Trust in Existing Talent: High-performing employees often get overlooked for advancement. Instead, the company frequently hires externally for roles that current team members are already capable of doing, leading to frustration and burnout for those carrying the load. Unprofessional Atmosphere: Leadership openly refers to the culture as a “pirate ship,” and unfortunately this bleeds into day-to-day behavior. Standards of professionalism are inconsistent, which impacts morale and credibility. Nepotism: Decisions around promotions, projects, and opportunities can feel influenced by personal relationships rather than merit, creating an uneven playing field. Party-Focused Culture: Bi-annual functions lean heavily into drinking and a “frat-boy” vibe. Employees who aren’t interested in that atmosphere may feel out of place or pressured to participate. Disconnected Leadership: Upper management often seems removed from the realities of frontline teams. Communication gaps and unclear priorities can make it difficult to feel aligned with broader company goals.