Freescale Semiconductor – “Freescale continuing to loose ground”

Pros

Paid time off was good perhaps better than some other companies. Compensation was about average for the semiconductor industry. Work hours somewhat flexible.

Cons

1) Freescale has divested most of their internal R&D capability. The mentally that the grass is greener in the neighbor's yard prevails.

2) Freescale is painfully lacking forward looking innovative development projects with any kind of real focus.

3) A series of Freescale management mistakes effectively destroyed the wireless business, which was approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the company revenue.

4) The Networking business (i.e. DSP and network microprocessors) is significantly smaller than that of TI or ST and has failed to grow comensurate with the rest of the semiconductor industry.

5) Freescale's bread and butter business (automotive/ standard products) has suffered tremendously due to a strong connection with US auto makers and a failure to adequately penetrate the asian auto makers.

6) Freescale has an enormous debt load that is crippling investment in key technologies for future growth.

Unfortunately, the innovative sprit of Freescale's Motorola past has completely vanished. Freescale is desperately trying to hold on as a me too player in a very competive and commoditized market place.

Advice to Senior Management

It is likely too late to develop a leading edge company from the ashes. Do your best to become a semi-stable LSI Logic or Linear Technologies.