Is your self respect for sale? - Anonymous employee McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
21 Nov 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The pay and benefits( healthcare, cash profit sharing, retirement) are great, but like most things in life, you end up paying for what you get. In the long run, it might not be worth it.

Cons

One aspect of the business model is nobody get's laid off, even in this economy! It is something that they are incredibly proud of. Instead you get fired for not meeting "expectations" (you are not allowed to make mistakes ever), or you are forced into early retirement. This is an assembly line environment, check you brain and personality at the door.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
14 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
16 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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