electrical engineer

mechanical engineer

senior mechanical engineer

senior electrical engineer

junior mechanical engineer

McLaughlin Research Corporation

A Typical Day at Work
A typical day involved reviewing and updating technical documents, but the process was bogged down by unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. Writers needed approval for even minor edits, yet seeking clarification too often could lead to reprimands. Collaboration was minimal, and employees largely worked in isolation, with little engagement from management.

What I Learned
I initially learned a lot about optimizing workflow efficiency and documentation processes. However, over time, the company moved away from innovation and toward rigid adherence to outdated, inaccurate guidebooks, limiting opportunities for professional growth.

Management
Management discouraged feedback and resisted process improvements. Employees who raised concerns about inefficiencies or compliance issues were ignored or, in some cases, reprimanded. Training was virtually nonexistent—new hires were expected to "learn by re-reading manuals" rather than receiving structured guidance.

Workplace Culture
The culture was isolating and discouraging. Employees often felt unheard and undervalued, and the high-stress environment led to burnout. Some colleagues were pushed to the point of extreme stress, including panic attacks. Over time, a culture of fear replaced what was initially a more open and collaborative atmosphere.

The Hardest Part of the Job
The most difficult aspect was navigating the lack of support and the rigid, ineffective documentation process. Despite being hired as a technical writer, I was expected to adhere to inconsistent, undocumented internal guidelines rather than industry best practices. Additionally, the lack of proper training made it difficult to succeed without constant roadblocks.

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job
Early on, I enjoyed contributing to workflow improvements and finding ways to streamline documentation processes. However, as leadership moved away from allowing innovation, these opportunities disappeared. Initially, the job had promise, but over time, it became frustratingly stagnant.

McLaughlin research Corp was an excellent place to work. Employees are given the room to make important decision with little to no interaction with upper management within reason of course. As an on site supervisor I was able to lead my team with ease and efficiency. My supervisor/program manager was an extremely talented and knowledgeable individual that trained me to the inner workings of government contractors role. I was able to grow and take on more and more responsibility on a regular basis. I was being trained to move up with in the company (unfortunately my wife's family got sick and we relocated to IL). This company fit right in with my outlook on work performance and that is  "if you are not improving/moving up then you are moving out". The most enjoyable part of this job for me was being able to take employees that worked for me and guide and train them all to take over bigger projects. It was through their success that I received my greatest job satisfaction

I work on a Navy base as a contractor, so I only get paid by McLaughlin, I don't actually do work for them. The work experience will depend on where the contract work takes place.  My location is great - great people, steady and challenging work.  My Navy management is hands-off, and I'm allowed freedom to just get stuff done. 

The down side to working for the military is there's a great deal of red tape and it's hard to get anything done.  As a technical writer, it can take 6-9 MONTHS to get a document approved.  And they're psychotic about documentation format.

The upside to military work is it's stable, and as long as the company retains the contract for your position, and you are a good employee, you'll have a job.  

Work hours are great - you can start as early as 6 AM to 9 AM, then just work your 8 hours.  

You can't work here if your background check is bad - no arrests, no bankruptcy, foreign contacts are a problem.

The nature of work supported may be challenging, but successful and professional execution provides significant opportunity to take on more work with greater flexibility and tailor responsibilities to your interest as long as you continue to execute at a high level. 

Unlike many defense contractors, MRC is truly a family owned company and it shows.  People are treated well, opportunities exist to work on new tasking, develop new skills, and gain additional education.  The benefits and pay are very fair to industry, and the work life balance is great.  Work doesn't come home with you!!

Due to the dispersed nature of defense work, it can be difficult to feel connected to all aspects of the company, or even be aware of all aspects of the company. 

Company has many very talented professional/technical employees, trusts and appreciates input from employees who perform well.

Anything that enhances your ability to support customer they appreciate, even if you don’t see them regularly while stationed at client sites. I have a particularly good company supervisor and customer department head and colleagues.

Terrible work culture. Employees are often pitted against each other for positions and job security and this makes senior coworkers inclined to set new hires up to fail or actively seek ways to get rid of people so they can keep themselves irreplaceable. 

Most days are spent with little to no interaction from management and anything you as a person need from them is seen as a tally against you. Middle-management actively prevents and punishes efforts to interact with the main company office. 

Performance reviews do not exist, you are either seen as a tool worth keeping around or a scapegoat to use as the fall guy when someone needs to be singled out as the cause of a problem.

This organization has no real mission of it's own, other than to place people in jobs that support the DoD, particularly the U.S. Navy. So, opinions, and work experiences will vary. 

However, management at MRC seems slow to respond to normal requests for things like travel per-diem reimbursement, requests for project and job numbers associated with travel etc. Additionally, the company's leave policy is horrible. You get 3 days....that's right three days per YEAR of paid leave if you are an employee who has worked for MRC for five years or less.

My recommendation.....stick with the large Defense contractors, and leave this smaller one alone.

I am an electrical engineer who has been a contractor for the US Navy.  I  have been a “hands on” tech rep for many years,  involved in submarine installation, problem solving, and training.  I am very familiar with the Groton sub base and live in Groton.  I would  like to be involved in the installation work you describe.  I have worked as a technician on many projects and I have found that my engineering training comes in very handy.  I am not looking for a top dollar salary, and would consider any reasonable offer you make.   I am attaching a resume which emphasizes my shipboard work.  I look forward to hearing form you about this opportunity.

A typical day can be either very slow or boots to the ground running. I have been able to expand and grow my knowledge base in multiple areas that will shape me as an employee for my career. I've been fortunate enough to work along side management and they have been more than willing to provide guidance and help when needed.  After being an employee here for over a year, I enjoy the workplace culture, but the people even more. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great support. Friendly staff. Reliable all around.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Getting weekly paperwork in on time.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Though they are growing large they have managed to keep the compassionate spirit of what started as a family business.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Every day brings something new.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Electrical engineer 19 salaries reported	$32.97 per hour
Mechanical engineer 9 salaries reported	$37.00 per hour
Senior mechanical engineer 9 salaries reported	$50.00 per hour
Senior electrical engineer 10 salaries reported	$50.00 per hour
Junior mechanical engineer 9 salaries reported	$28.50 per hour

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