Positive team spirit but political culture in Software Department - Senior Software Engineer Instagrid Employee Review

1.0
15 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Around 50% of the employees are genuinely friendly, and it is possible to build a close and homely bond with some colleagues. The cooking activities organized with Ciprian are enjoyable and help create team spirit. The Mechanical Department is respectful, professional, and pleasant to work with. The CEOs are approachable and generally interact respectfully with employees whenever there is an opportunity for casual discussion, especially around common areas like the kitchen. Company parties and social events are also organized very well.

Cons

The Software Department suffers from a highly political and controlling work culture driven by a few individuals, particularly certain architects and senior management figures. Employees bringing forward new ideas or alternative technical perspectives may face humiliation rather than constructive discussion. Professional boundaries and respectful technical debate are often lacking. Special caution is advised regarding the management culture within engineering leadership. Employees who value professional respect, autonomy, and healthy collaboration may find the environment difficult. Several senior figures (Head of HW, SW architect, Head of Engineering) appear more focused on authority and internal politics than on fostering innovation or teamwork. One of the CEOs is heavily involved in technical and product roadmap decisions, which frequently change. This has led to repeated shifts in direction, poorly managed product development cycles, projects being started and later abandoned midway, and significant waste of investment and engineering effort. Unfortunately, employees were the ones most affected by these strategic failures. The company conducted two major layoff rounds within a six-month period. Hiring and workforce reduction decisions appeared reactive and lacked long-term technical planning or organizational stability. Recruitment often seemed disconnected from actual business and engineering needs.

Explore other reviews about Instagrid

5.0
11 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

To be able to put my family first has been amazing! This company truly cares about it's employees and their well being and I have never been scolded for needing to take time for the kids.

Cons

You may work earlier hours being based out of Europe.

2.0
29 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance is good. Pay is decent with good healthcare benefits.

Cons

Company was a startup with a product that was not designed from North America and it got here and has very poor leadership. Look at all the turnover internally from Europe back to the US. With many people with 3 to 5 years with the company leaving to go elsewhere. product has many failures and is extremely overpriced. Competitors are eating their lunch here because these guys can’t compete financially with the competition.

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