The environment, the staff, my experience with my manager was one of genuine appreciation and accountability from all sides .
Cons
Being a contractor, lack of formal communication, lethargic work force, lack of true innovation, poor supervisory models, monolithic ideals and poor overall malaise by too many (but certainly not all) folks.
The benefits (Insurance, bonuses, etc) are top notch. You get some great medical and dental, even long term healthcare. The pay and bonuses are excellent! If you land in a good department, the potential to learn and grow is awesome. If you land in a poorly managed department you'll be stuck until you burn out and leave. The mission and what they stand for can't be beat!!
Cons
Unfortunately in our department you work hard without being able to take your vacation or other bonus holidays and you lose them. Recognition is not what it used to be and management is seen hiding out in conference rooms for hours. Most times because they make you single threaded, you end up burned out with no relief in sight or a bucket full of empty promises.
Great benefits and a wide variety of possibilities with such a large company.
One-on-one meetings with management is a good practice
Cons
Entrenched bureaucracy; highly resistance to change, improvements or efficiency.
The experience varies greatly depending on what department or manager you are under. Some are highly supportive of their employees, others not so much.
There is a long list of ways you can get fired for simple mistakes