Learn what to do (and more importantly what not to do) in software development - Software Engineer Esri Employee Review

I gave up a lot of weekends and evenings working here, which I wouldn't have minded if it didn't seem so lost and chaotic there at times (not the fault of my co-workers, but of my direct manager and his manager). There is no semblance of a software development process here (not in the team I worked with, although my manager liked to think he had one!). I think ESRI is still going through some growing pains and trying to negotiate in an industry that's become more competitive and has more players. Some mid-level management was in desperate need of leadership classes (no, lying and manipulation will not motivate your workers!). I believe in ESRI as a company, although their execution needs work. Location - Redlands is not a great place to live and is becoming worse with the typical plowing-over of open spaces and overdevelopment of the suburbs (although it's not nearly as bad as San Bernardino). If you have a spouse in tech, he/she will either have to also work at ESRI or drive all the way to Orange County (a brave feat!) to find work. It's dreadfully hot in the summers, and the air quality is one of the worst in the US. I did like it's proximity to hiking and other outdoors activities though. Jack Dangermond is too entrenched in Redlands, and he really should've moved the place somewhere a little more lively and comfortable when the company was still small.