Vantaggi
Amazing coworkers. For the most part, Critigen (Locana) does hire great people. Great opportunity to work in technology space and learn best practices in software development. PTO was good. Offered relocation assistance. Primarily a remote company (even pre-pandemic). Communication with management and coworkers is good. Professional work culture, "play hard, work hard" slogan is accurate
Svantaggi
The following speaks to a specific contract (*hint, FAANG company) and I cannot speak to the other projects done by Critigen (Locana). Dictatorial and emotionally abusive boss (E.g. made coworkers cry in meetings, generally produced a feeling of anxiety/dread when I was in their presence). Pay is pretty average for the field. Given how hard you'll be worked, I think pay for Analysts is inadequate. Raises were decent. Received 3.6% raise first year, 4.8% raise second year. Though management admitted my pay was insufficient given the quality of work, they never followed through on a major pay increase or promotion. Not a great place to work if you're looking to do applied GIS (actual mapmaking, geospatial analysis, working with GIS software). The skills that I learned were highly specialized and not transferable to my long term career goals (GIS Analytics) and did not aid me substantially in future job searches. Benefits are mediocre. Health care premiums in excess of 6k for average copays/deductibles. 401k matching not competitive with most other companies. Short/Long term disability insurer (Sun Life) is one of the worst. Cut-throat with employees (e.g. had a coworker who took extended leave due to a severe case of covid with ensuing health complications--long covid. Tried to come back upon recovery, but was fired as soon as the company was legally allowed to). As a consultant/contractor you'll essentially be working 2 jobs as you will have to attend meetings, answer emails and take part in events for both Critigen (Locana) and the client company. Work/life balance not good, frequently felt overworked.