Vantaggi
The people friendly and health benefits are great. Company culture is relaxed.
Svantaggi
About 30% of the employees are contractors that work on the Kirtland AFB, but these are continuously treated as an after thought. Most company things like lunch and learn sessions (only chance for technical growth), birthday celebrations, company wide announcements, etc. all happen at the Britt office location without the AFB employees. As a contractor you have to bill hours, and the government isn’t going to let you bill anything except actual work so it’s impractical for you to join these events, so it hardly feels like you’re part of a company.
Additionally, as a contractor your funding comes from contracts, but these have to constantly be bid for and renewed by the government. If they decide not to renew, you’re out of luck and ATA will try to help but mostly just tell you to look at current job listings, and if nothing fits you’ll be cut.
As a contractor there’s pretty much no investment into your technical growth. You’re sent to work on the projects under Air Force officers, and as a contractor you get no credit or recognition, it goes to the Air Force officers. You’re job is to work and produce results, and there’s no investment in training you or growing your technical ability since the officers will rotate out in a few years anyway.
This is a great work environment for those who really aren’t passionate about their work or careers. It’s great for those who just want to come in, work 8 to 5 following instructions from the government “boss(es)”, and leave, but if you’re hoping for more than that this isn’t it.