Lots of potential, but inability to take advantage of it. - Senior Software Engineer Broadcom Employee Review

2.0
Jul 4, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pays reasonably well (although pay is decreasing) There are small pockets of good people here and there. Sadly they are limited in what they can accomplish by the general malaise endemic in Broadcom.

Cons

Deadwood - lots of it, and no way to get rid of it. Can't hire good people because you can't get rid of the bad ones, but it doesn't matter anyway because as a whole Broadcom never wants to do anything but glob together X different chips in Y new process to keep getting the same low margins for chip Z. You don't need outstanding engineers to do that. These days most chips require software (sometimes a lot) to be useful. For the most part Broadcom is slowly drowning in its inability to create good software for controlling its chips. It is pretty dismal working in software for Broadcom. No way to advance your career, particularly if you are in a satellite office. The culture is what you would expect of a 20 year old company which has grown with little to no vision by randomly acquiring other companies. Poor cohesion and coordination in all regards. I realize this is a pretty dismal review but it depends on perspective. There is certainly a segment of engineers that doesn't mind this sort of culture. Broadcom is a company which has decided that the best way to expand and grow is to acquire companies for new and interesting technologies. There is not even the pretense of trying to do anything but the next increment internally.

Explore other reviews about Broadcom

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent compensation with strong base pay, bonuses, and quarterly RSU vesting that truly rewards performance. The company moves fast with clear priorities and strong financial results. Management is straightforward and execution-focused, though the pace can be demanding. Great for those who thrive in a high-performance environment.

Cons

High pressure with occasional work-life balance challenges

4.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great pay and promotion cycle

Cons

Poor management and company culture

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