production assembler

control panel technician

assembler

field service technician

plc programmer

A typical day involved identifying prospective clients, conducting outreach to engineering firms, OEMs, and industrial manufacturers, and collaborating with the sales and engineering teams to support business development efforts. I learned a great deal about industrial automation, including PLCs, SCADA systems, control panels, and how technical solutions are presented to customers across different industries.

Management was supportive and willing to answer questions, providing opportunities to learn and grow. The workplace culture was collaborative, with employees who were knowledgeable and eager to help one another succeed.

The hardest part of the job was learning the technical aspects of industrial automation, especially if you come from a business or sales background. However, it became easier with experience and support from the team.

The most enjoyable part of the job was building relationships with potential customers, gaining exposure to different industries, and working alongside experienced professionals while developing valuable sales and technical skills.

This is the first company I've worked at that is employee owned, and the difference is palpable. Unlike large private corporations, it really feels as if you are a part of something important and that your contributions matter. People are very aware of their own productivity because it feels like it has a direct impact on what you'll get put into your ESOP for retirement. This plan definitely encourages longevity, so there isn't a lot of turnover in the office environment.

We have lots of company events throughout the year, such as games, cook-outs, contests, and even creating a mini golf course. Employees also often see direct rewards from having good sales, such as bonuses or smaller monthly gifts. Quarterly shareholder meetings are held every few months, where the CEO explains to employees how we are doing and what the company's finances are like. This means that there are no shockers: you share in the pride of a good sales month, and the disappointment of a bad one. Having worked at a private company before that was quietly tanking, and then being suddenly laid off with no warning, this transparency is truly rewarding.

Education reimbursement has also been a huge bonus for me, as it means I can afford to pursue interests both directly and indirectly related to my position.

What is the best part of working at the company?
SJE Inc is a company heavily focused on culture and employee development. Everyone within the company is helpful and welcoming to new employees, and there are many opportunities to learn and grow. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There is not much that is 'stressful' about working at SJE. They hold their employees accountable, however, they also provide all of the tools necessary for success. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
SJE has as a heavy focus on culture. From the leadership to the employees in the plants, everyone is helpful and approachable. There are events throughout the month dedicated to team-building and learning. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I interact daily with a talented team of sales managers as well as cross-functional partners. I am encouraged to take initiative find new ways to get things done. Leadership is very involved with the day to day making decisions quick and easy to execute.

The starting pay is very low, raises are poor and not based on your merit or skill level, and the management is terrible. Advancement within the company is painfully slow. They tend to hire temps and then keep them as temps for well over a year or even longer. As a temp you get paid even less than the actual employees. If you do get hired you probably wont see a promotion for several years. It is an employee owned company so if you can stick it out till retirement you will be rewarded, but the 30 years till you retire you will most likely be living paycheck to paycheck. The people you will be working with are fantastic, friendly, and helpful. There is a lot of camaraderie but the company will not reward your hard work with promotions or money. Just an occasional pizza party.

I've worked in other manufacturing environments and the difference at SJE is BIG.  People care about other people.  Management tries, but they can't please everyone.  Other companies I've worked for never got back to me when I had an idea or suggestion.  Here, at least I know my opinions and suggestions are actually heard - even if I don't like the answer.  Yes, there is overtime and yes, it gets tiring.  But with overtime comes a bigger paycheck and for that I am grateful!  The pay may be a little lower than some other manufacturers in town, but it is fair for an Assembler and the environment is air conditioned, clean, and safe.  There are also lots of fun employee activities here also.  I'm proud to work at SJE and thankful for the opportunity!

Working at this company was pretty middle of the road. Most days were predictable, and the work was about what you’d expect for the role. Some days were busier than others, but nothing felt especially overwhelming or exciting. The people I worked with were nice enough, and everyone generally did their part. There wasn’t a huge sense of team spirit, but there also weren’t major issues. Communication got the job done, even if it wasn’t always detailed. Expectations were usually clear, and deadlines were reasonable. The workplace itself was fine comfortable enough and set up to function. There were chances to pick up new skills here and there, depending on what you were assigned. Management kept things running and provided direction when needed, though it was mostly at a general level. Overall, it was a standard experience that felt steady and neutral, without many standout moments one way or the other.

The actual work to be done is fun and fulfilling with the ability to shift departments if it's not to your liking. That being said, the management on Panel Side is shoddy at best putting numbers produced above the capability to fulfill them as well as the sustainability of that approach. A lack of various parts delaying builds is a constant issue due to the recently increased production goals as well as increasing the strain and workload on the other departments and the CNC machine operator as they struggle to keep up or make any ground. 

I've worked in multiple factory jobs prior to SJE and this is by far the best environment. It's air conditioned, free wi-fi, discounts on the products and company merchandise, not to mention it's 100% employee owned. I have no idea what the previous person who reviewed it was talking about by it not being 100% owned until 6 years. But this company is entirely owned by the employees and nobody else. And that yearly stock summary goes up higher and higher, giving a sense of relief for retirement. Management is laid back and easy to work for. Fellow employees are, for the most part, really good to work with. There's LOTS of opportunity to advance within the company; you just have to want it and try for it. I highly recommend SJE as a place to work for.

Good co-workers; poor management. The stock ownership plan (ESOP) is more of a liability than a benefit, The ESOP is cited as the rationale for lower pay, but you can't pay bills with it, and you may not see it for many years, if ever. Comical that employees in Detroit Lakes (headquarters) are routinely promoted to positions they are ill-suited for.

As mentioned by another reviewer: The 'leadership' team talks about being a family and caring about their employees which is complete BS. Pay is low compared to other companies in the industry and raises non-existent or minimal.

Lack of management oversight and poor decisions led to major negative impacts on a large number of employees.

I've worked in other manufacturing environments and the difference at SJE is BIG. People care about other people. Management tries, but they can't please everyone. Other companies I've worked for never got back to me when I had an idea or suggestion. Here, at least I know my opinions and suggestions are actually heard - even if I don't like the answer. Yes, there is overtime and yes, it gets tiring. But with overtime comes a bigger paycheck and for that I am grateful! The pay may be a little lower than some other manufacturers in town, but it is fair for an Assembler and the environment is air conditioned, clean, and safe. There are also lots of fun employee activities here also. I'm proud to work at SJE and thankful for the opportunity!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Production assembler 4 salaries reported	$18.13 per hour
Control panel technician 10 salaries reported	$21.51 per hour
Assembler 2 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Field service technician 2 salaries reported	$33.50 per hour
Plc programmer 4 salaries reported	$89,000 per year

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