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Interesting products, mediocre management - Senior Software Engineer Covidien Employee Review

3.0
6 Nov 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Used to be a senior software engineer there. Covidien, formerly Tyco Healthcare, is a conglomerate which grew by acquisition. This brings interesting technologies into the mix, but unfortunately doesn't always have the mettle to take it to the market the right way. Pay is decent, work-life balance depends on who you work for. Time-off policies standard.

Cons

The management many times doesn't believe in the products. Some would see products as just vehicle to advance their careers. This then translates to all engineering department as just something that drags down the expense sheet instead of recognizing that good engineering is what make medical devices safe and sells for years to come. Promotion is hard to get unless you do 150% your normal workload. Working harder (more hours), not smarter (more output) is rewarded. Also they believe all engineers are interchangable, regardless background and expertise.

Explore other reviews about Covidien

5.0
25 Jan 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It’s an awesome company to work for!

Cons

It’s a typical corporate atmosphere

3.0
26 May 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay is competitive for many of the positions. Benefits are pretty good-medical, dental, vision, 401K HR department is committed to ensuring a respectful workplace so don't be afraid to speak up if you are mistreated by a manager or coworker. Overall fair treatment of employees is observed Focus on improvement activities like Kaizen and Six Sigma.

Cons

Communications from corporate are general and vague and major changes are not communicated very well-the 'rumor mill' will portent a major change (like the pharma division being spun off of the larger Covidien) but communication to employees can be spotty around these issues. Getting promoted can be a mysterious and unclear process - not that many promotions from within. It happens but not as much as it ought to. Too much of a focus on hiring outside candidates. Poor focus on talent development - not enough apprenticeships and interns. Finding a path for 'career development' can be a challenge - you have to do it yourself. Sometimes an excessive focus on financial results to the expense of other things, like employee morale. The manufacturing facilities often seem to be treated like the red-headed stepchildren by the corporate office - resources withheld from the Plants while corporate indulges in elaborate holiday celebrations and excessive numbers of Vice Presidents. Job security appears to be better at the Plants than at Corporate

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