Agilent Technologies Reviews in Santa Clara, CA

Pros

Very bright and dedicated engineers.

Cons

Work environment can be a little too stuffy both politically and aesthetically.

Advice to Senior Management

Increase flexibility and campus infastructure.

Pros

Very advanced technology company in many different areas.
Some of the old HP culture still exists (respect for the individual, etc.)

Cons

Upper management. The company has essentially stagnated for the last 12 years.

Advice to Senior Management

Take more risks and get rid of the upper leadership who mouth words they don't believe (one in particular).

Pros

Very high quality engineers work here.

Cons

You are not going to get rich, compared to if you a joined a Google or a Facebook before their IPO.

Pros

Agilent has stood the test of time as a technology company that was started by Bill & Dave in the 1930's. And the reason for this longevity is the quality of the people. From the production line to the engineers to the management team, Agilent is special because of its incredibly sharp, innovative and team-oriented staff around the world.

Cons

Being a global multinational firm, many roles like mine require some pretty crazy hours in order to connect with peers in time zones around the globe.

Advice to Senior Management

While pursuing growth in emerging markets, don't forget about the core geographies with its aging employee demographics. Be more aggressive with university recruiting.

Pros

Making "measurement tools" and instruments may sound boring, but actually Agilent is a scientifically challenging and fascinating place to work. In my experience, many people (including the CEO) do practice the old "HP Way." They show respect for employees, allow significant independence and flexible schedules (I'm home by 5 every day), and compensation is generous. And unlike many other tech companies, Agilent actually demonstrates corporate citizenship by donating to many charities, sponsoring science education programs, and reducing environmental impact by installing solar and recycling. And all of these benefits (to employees, customers, and communities) are done while making a stable profit. I think Hewlett and Packard would be proud.

Cons

It can be difficult to understand some of what Agilent makes or who the customers are, and it's not that "sexy." Most people have not heard of Agilent.

Pros

Working with highly skilled employees who care about their jobs

Cons

Worldwide scope of projects can be a bit challenging at times

Advice to Senior Management

None

Pros

Free coffee
Lots of parking spaces in the parking lot. Layoffs do have a benefit

Cons

Many project cancellations.
No innovation, just add some lipstick to the pig products and call it something new
Management created an atmosphere where people no longer cooperated with each other.

Advice to Senior Management

Please retire and get some people with an innovative streak in place.

Pros

Management was very supportive with providing the tools needed to enhance my skill set or directing me to a position where my skills would be best utilized. Everyone is very friendly, family friendly, and has a great attitude about their work.

Cons

The slow business industry leads to some rough economic patches where you're unsure if you are about to get laid off or if you will keep your job.

Advice to Senior Management

Con: Be more enthusiastic and energetic. Some of the company communications were dull and non-exciting.

Pro: Keep up with hiring managers who actually care about the worker and who provide tools/training to enhance technical know-all.

Pros

Good place to work, flexible timings, employee friendly environment. Scientific culture. Overly complicated processes.

Cons

Possibilities to advance is less

Advice to Senior Management

Pay needs to be improved

Pros

There is still some of the HP culture. There is respect for the employees. There is a lot of autonomy in many jobs to prove your worth. Loyalty to peers and colleagues is strong. To management - less.

Cons

Employees would have done anything for HP but that is not the case for Agilent. Benefits have been drastically cut back (they will say they are in line with industry benchmarking). Very expense management driven, but very uneven. "Field" is at the top of the heap; they spent and travel without control until the 4th quarter panic. "Factory" is next. They manage expenses reasonably. Global infrastructure/finance and esp. IT is the worst. Very much out sourcing and off shoring. You have to beg and justify and justify more to spend money. In GIO, esp. IT, you feel more like a contractor than an employee.

Agilent requires a lot of personal discipline because it will suck the life out of you if you let it. Work -Life balance is a challenge.

Advice to Senior Management

Don't forget the HP roots and the philosophy from Bill and Dave. Be aware that the employee reaction to management is a reflection of how management treats the employees.