Vantaggi
Work is generally interesting and self directed. Problems encountered are challenging and require a wide range of engineering, practical, and personal skills. The pay and benefits are generous after a few years thanks to profit sharing. Lots of hands on experience, control of your design for the entire product cycle. No levels of management to deal with, just project managers and executives.
Svantaggi
Below-market pay for the first 2-3 years before raises and profit share bring you to median and then beyond. High levels of personal responsibility can often lead to long work hours. Workplace training philosophy is sink or swim. Workplace politics and gossip seem excessive at this company, though I have not worked long term at another engineering firm for comparison. Personal views of the owner/president pervade company policy and culture, so you have to put up with it or leave if they don't match your own views.