PACCAR reviews

I worked my way up into 4 different positions at PACCAR, coming in at one of the lowest grade levels. The recognition I received early on from upper level management was fantastic, and if you're a stand out, (i.e. mediocre white man, compliant young woman, or token diversity candidate) you'll feel it in abundance. I can assure you, this is the traditional "lovebombing" phase of any traditionally toxic relationship. That being said, the pros of this period are as follows: Invitations to Leadership Meetings Employee of the Month Nominations Special Work Assignments In-Position Grade Bumps Fast-Track Promotions Chances are, some of this may actually be merit-based, especially if you can save the company money, and work into the LEAN methodology. Although yes, I was objectively a very good and hard worker, the front loading of accolades within my first 3 or so years here should have been a huge red flag. In hindsight, it comes from a place of upper management patronizing women with over-the-top praise to lull them into a false sense of security. Then the worst hits.

This review is for the PACCAR Technical Center in Mount Vernon, WA, although I’m sure that most of these points apply to any of the PACCAR facilities located in NW Washington. I’ll split this review into 2 sections depending on if you’re an engineer or a manager. As there are upsides and downsides to working at any company, here’s a brief overview of what to expect so you can decide if this is really the best fit for you. **ENGINEER** This place is for you if: -You prefer to keep your head down and not make waves. -You are satisfied with a below-market salary with merit increases that barely outpace inflation. -You don’t expect to be rewarded in any meaningful way for going above and beyond your job description. -You can handle doing the work of multiple people day in and day out with very little guidance or recognition from management. -You have thick skin and strong bones because you’ll be continuously run over by buses and expected to continue on like nothing happened. Remember, NOTHING stands in the way of making money! -You don't mind not being passed over for promotions, recognition, or jobs by considerably less-qualified people. It's your own fault, after all. -You're willing to paint your nose brown day-in and day-out to advance your career. -The ONLY brown part of your body is your nose (pale male applicants only please). **MANAGER** This place is for you if: -You meet the PACCAR definition of a manager: Male, white, incompetent, “yes-man”, and no facial hair below the upper lip (to satisfy our Lord and Savior, Master Mark Pigott). -OR you’re comfortable being the token diversity candidate so upper management can say “See! Look at him! We don’t have a diversity problem!” -You’re happy to have no strategic, unified vision for the division you work for, essentially floating rudderless in a sea of your own mediocrity. -Speaking of, your preference is to reward nepotistic mediocrity and punish those who fail to conform. -You excel at toeing the company line, even through times of ethical and legal murkiness. Don't worry, you'll be guided by a gaggle of well-paid attorneys to keep PACCAR out of trouble. -You’re eager to keep secrets and make policies generic and ambiguous so your employees can fail, because hey, what better way to learn, right? -You’re capable of lifting over 150 pounds so you can swiftly throw your employees under the bus before they realize what’s happening.