Pros
Satisfaction of working for a leader in its industry, and being well compensated for it. Opportunity to work with talented, motivated colleagues and peers in a global organization. Working on challenging projects that provide an opportunity to grow professionally, with the resources needed to meet those challenges. Working with an exceptionally smart, talented and driven CTO that demands excellence. No deferential treatment; the CEO and CTO work longer and harder than anyone in the company, willing listen, open to ideas, treat people fairly.
Cons
Dealing with the occaisional bureaucratic processes changes necessary in a growing and changing company. Difficulty of finding exceptional vendors when you are not the big fish. Challenge finding enough hours in the day and efficient time management. Finally, the pervasive challenge that an engineer can work in a vacuum without fully being exposed to other department functions and customers – often a function of time challenges.