SAIC: talent pool versus employees - Defense Analyst SAIC Employee Review

1.0
4 Mar 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits. Company has a good reputation with customers. Fairly simple and effective performance evaluation system. Loads of professional and competent people in the company.

Cons

There are two kinds of employees at SAIC: the real employees and the "talent." The talent are those people hired from inside government to work on site with government customers. The "talent" are not really treated like employees. No real career development, training, or corporate attention. The talent are really product that SAIC sells to the customer. And like any product, if there is any problem at all with the product or the contract, the product goes in the dust bin. I've been observing some chilling horror stories about SAIC putting these "talent" employees out on the street with no warning and no mercy, even though these people are qualified to do other open jobs in the company. Advice to any one in the government considering taking an SAIC job working in the government: Don't do it. You won't be able to trust the company to take care of you.

Explore other reviews about SAIC

5.0
6 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good salary and benefits now

Cons

Working for the government can be stressful

3.0
9 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Current Leadership: The management structure has stabilized significantly, and my current supervisor is excellent—supportive, engaged, and great to work with. Excellent Team Culture: The coworkers here are fantastic. There is a strong sense of camaraderie, and the team is incredibly supportive. Strong Compensation & Growth: The base pay is competitive and fair, and there is excellent opportunity for extra pay and overtime. From a professional development standpoint, I have learned an immense amount in my field over the past year. Enjoyable Travel: Excellent opportunities for work-related travel that adds great variety to the day-to-day routine.

Cons

Management Inconsistency Early On: My first supervisor took zero interest in team well-being, or development and the second had significant temperament issues that ultimately led to their departure. While it has been resolved now, Apparently management here like a lot of places is hit and miss. Heavy Workload: The workload can feel a bit overwhelming and intense at times. Striking a consistent work-life balance remains a challenge under the current demands. Role Expectation Mismatch: Some of the technical responsibilities and projects I have handled since joining were not clearly outlined or explained during the interview process. Navigating these unstated expectations alongside an already heavy workload has been a significant challenge.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All