Some interesting work but company suffers from a lot of inertia
Pros
There is some cutting edge technology and interesting technical work to embark on. Lots of funding is being pored into projects and if you can justify equipment/tools needed to get the job done, it will be bought. Leonardo is a comfortable job for life and offers a lot of security and a decent pension. Strong passionate union supporting workforce, keeping people safe and championing inclusivity & diversity. Flexible working options and good occupational health team.
Cons
Suffers from glacially slow processes and administration. It can take 6 months for the procurement team to make a project purchase - due to poor processes and communication through emails that get lost. A lightbulb will need replaced in the office, or there is a pile up of cardboard boxes needing recycled. or office furniture has been damaged and needs replaced or fixed ... the estates team are so oversubscribed it may never be resolved ... Desks aren't cleaned (but at least company supplies cleaning products post pandemic for you to clean the grime of the new desk you are hotdesking on) The security of a "job for life" has resulted in a complacent attitude, where if you are a driven motivated individual you will find yourself simultaneously trying to drag your team forward and push your management up. (e.g. imagine not being able to do work because tools/equipment haven't been ordered by your team leaders, despite requesting said equipment a year in advance AND reminding them monthly then weekly then daily that work will have to halt if you do not have the tools for your job.) There is a poor culture where people are promoted for existing rather than excelling. Absolutely falling into the category of 10 year experience being equivalent for doing the same first year over and over again and not growing. Witnessed multiple accounts of sexisim and bullying in the workplace. In all cases, never witnessed a formal grievance raised. In two separate cases, women where offered to move project teams rather reprimand or discipline offending characters. Non-adequate IT equipment - e.g. laptops will be assigned to you that do not have the correct cables or adapters to dock to a hot desk. Some hot desks don't even have PC monitors. Ergonomic keyboard/mouse - dream on. You're expected to purchase this equipment yourself!