Pros: The work at SIG is challenging and fun. You are presented with unique situations, difficult situations, and often have to move quickly. The technology organization actually keeps up with the times pretty well, you aren't using ancient programming technology or outdated hardware. The work culture is friendly and open. Engineers are given a lot of flexibility to solve problems the way they think is best. Very good fringe benefits like free food, gym, and on site hair cuts. Salary is very competitive for the area. The other engineers are generally pretty smart, and pretty willing to work as a team. In many other companies, different groups within a company form "cliques" that are often adversarial - not that way at SIG at all. Groups work together towards common goals and are very willing to help each other. I find this rare, and actually pretty awesome as an engineer.

Cons: -The work environment is not ideal if you're on the trading floor. If you're a software engineer that's used to an office, or even a cubicle, you're in for a rude awakening. It's noisy and there's no privacy. -Strict hours can be a pain. It's the nature of finance, but being expected to be in the building from 8-5 is irritating at times. Life happens. They're understanding of exceptions, but it goes against the company culture. -Similarly, they don't believe in remote work / telecommuting, which makes no sense for technology. -I'll be blunt - the benefits stink. Health care is very expensive, and the 401(k) program is severely lacking. They only give their match in a lump sum the following year, and it takes 4 years to vest. Meh. -I mean, you're working for a soul-sucking private equity company that doesn't really contribute to society in any meaningful way.

Pros: Good people and top technology (SIG is as much a technology company as a trading company). Managers usually know what they are doing. And, yes, the perks are cool too!

Cons: Things can sometimes be a bit chaotic, due to the on-going growth, such as communication and coordination between the different teams. Career development inside the group is quite limited.

Pros: They are great people to work with.

Cons: There is micro managing and a bad work life balance.