Pros
JSat Automation is truly the best place I've ever worked. I'm so proud to be part of this family of talented and cooperative engineers. Everyone here has a different technical background, but we all work together to give our customers the best possible solution and help each other learn and grow along the way. We focus on the job and then grab a beer together after work. I believe I am paid fairly for the work I do. I even received a generous bonus my first year here. I joined JSat to be challenged in a new way every day. I've learned so quickly here; every project and client we work with have different requirements. My teammates set high expectations for me, but never micromanage. This is a happy place for self-driven people. When I am learning something new, my team allows me room to struggle with problems without letting me fail. So JSat has perfectly met my expectations as far as the work. I often work more than 40 hours just because I'm so engaged in whatever problem I'm trying to solve. At the same time, JSat understands that I am a human with a family and commitments outside of work. The work hours can be flexible when I have something I need to take care of.
Cons
Small companies like JSat can't offer the exact same benefits as a Fortune 500-type large company. We do not have discount programs, employee stock purchase plan, FSA, or 401(k). We do have the best available retirement plan (an IRA with employer contributions), health/dental insurance (PPO including HSA), and vacation policies possible given the size of the company and the aggressive growth we are pursuing. If you want to zone out at a desk for 40 hours a week, this isn't the place for you! Honestly, the work environment is worth these minor trade-offs. I would still recommend JSat to a smart, hard-working friend.