Trust the Reviews - Generalist McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
24 Jan 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay + Benefits = Golden Handcuffs Pay is great and the benefits are even better. But make no mistake you will pay for your decision to work here…..mentally, physically, or both. This place is great for people who very rarely make a mistake. The individual contributors are amazing. Highly intelligent people who require little to no direction. The trauma bonds you share with your peers lead to long lasting friendships.

Cons

You have to be accurate 98-99% (depending on the department) of the time or you will be fired. Majority of middle management have little to no idea what you do so they can’t support/coach in you in any meaningful way. Some departments have established training processes but way too many do not. Which leads to people not knowing what is expected of them and soon enough they are fired. The constant process/procedure changes without clear direction will also get you fired. If you make it past the 1 year mark and don’t already have a therapist, get one! Working here will have a severely negative impact on your mental health.

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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