New Management Needed - Mechanical Engineer First Alert Employee Review

I am an engineer with over 20 years experience (16 granted patents and another 20 applications) and I resigned my position within my first year WITHOUT a future job. It was not worth putting in the effort with upper management treating engineering so poorly. As a major player in successfully meeting a tight deadline project at the end of the year, I did not expect a such small bonus and no mention of a raise. • Nepotism From the top to the bottom, who would expect over 5 sets of close relatives working at a location of near 100 employees, with the CEO grooming his son. This puts employees in an uncomfortable position when issues arise. • Technical Understanding from Upper Management Upper management gets a filtered 30 minute review every two/three weeks and expects to keep up to date with the issues. During the meeting, they add some meaningless requests that devour employee time and add little value. Their lack of understanding of software is the most dangerous as it is so important to the future of the company. Perfect example of "It is not what you know, but who." No matter of the level of incompetence. • CEO Surrounded by "YES" People Meetings with upper management (specifically the CEO) are incredibly filtered as no one is willing to deliver negative data or question time lines. The CEO is surrounded by people who agree with him and shake their heads in unison. Most, if not all of upper management, could not match their current position in another company. Management then hires people who may not be the most qualified. • "Corner Office" Mentality You would think in such a small company, that the upper management would make rounds to discuss projects and issues with those involved. The only time I run into management is the bathroom and they only asked me questions twice in an entire year. I actually think there is some guidance to not mingle with those "below". • Lack of Importance for Engineering The lack of importance of engineering was a surprise for me when I first arrived. Engineering is relegated to the other side of the building and does not have the ear of the CEO. • Human Resources is not your friend This probably goes without saying at most companies but it takes on a different tone at First Alert. Be careful and don't leave anything to chance during negotiations as the rules keep changing. • Revolving door On my current project, 5 of the original 8 have left the company in one year. These are not extra people, but rather integral people needed for the project to be successful. In summary, while First Alert may have potential, it is only potential without a leadership team capable of organizing people to develop new products to address a changing market. My advice in any interviews, ask about upper management and make sure you look at their eyes.