Pros
The environment allows a lot of personal freedom to develop your skills with minimal management intervention. Ive been here nearly a decade, left for 2yrs to try something different, missed it the day I left, and couldnt wait to get back once the right position opened up. Look, everyone has complaints, which GD is asking me to produce..but, theyre not things that kick me in the kidneys like other places that I've worked. This joint's laid back enough to let you work your way, just produce the expected results, and you'll find that exceeding customer and management's expectations is easy and fun to do...not a chore.
Kontras
I would say..getting into netapp can be a challenge. Ive had friends bail out because the process lasted longer than their unemployment benefits did. Also..whats up with no good raisin or cheese (without jalapeno's, really..) bagles? I recall late in '99 we switched bagel vendors once, and it's just never been the same. None of those are "downsides"..except perhaps the bagel thing, and the improvements I would make might not go over well with everyone. Like...how about a "Bring your dog AND cats to work day." THAT would be entertaining.