Cisco

I am a mid-level Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience, working in Cisco's Voice Technology group.

We have some really interesting projects. Some of the best minds in the industry work here.

Managers just care if targets are met, not individual work hours. I got to learn a lot from senior engineers/tech leads.

Best practices in software development. Scope of recognition is pretty high. If you come up with something really good/cool, senior management does recognize it.

Good work environment. All drinks are free, but no free food though :(

Pay is 94k, but I think there are folks who earn more than me with the same experience. Bonuses depend on company-wide policy and overall company performance. Mine is 13%. So, there is not much you can do if Cisco overall doesn't do well. Bonuses are dependent on the grade level of the job position.

Public transportation comes for free (Ecopasses from VTA) within the Bay Area. Paid-time-off is pretty good; you earn 1 day for every 8 days of work. Cisco pays for home internet.

Promotions and salary increases seem to be rare. I haven't seen more than two promotions in a year now, and those were for very senior level engineers. I have seen at least five people I know leave.

Reward extra efforts put in by employees.

Would love to have some free food now and then. Cisco used to have it, but that was a very long time ago.