Listen to the Podcast Here: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
From a lineage of innovators, Edmund O. Schweitzer, III. revolutionized the power industry in 1982 when he invented the first microprocessor-based digital protective relay in the basement of his Pullman, Washington home. That pioneering spirit continues to drive Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) today, a global leader in electric power solutions. With nearly 7,000 employees in over 100 locations worldwide, SEL is committed to making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical for utilities and their customers.
A Commitment to Excellence
SEL is widely recognized for its top-tier customer service and has earned a spot in Forbes’ top ten best employers in Washington, where it is headquartered. Their comprehensive range of products and services supports distribution, transmission, generation, cybersecurity, industrial applications, software, grid modernization, and governmental services.
Operating on the principles of integrity and continuous improvement, SEL works to learn from every challenge to develop creative and effective solutions. Their industry-leading ten-year, no-questions-asked product warranty exemplifies their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. “SEL offers a ten-year no-questions-asked product warranty and does not charge for defects or repairs,” shared John Aultman, PE Application Engineer III working in SEL Protection.
Expanding Opportunities and Careers
SEL offers diverse career paths in engineering (hardware, software, and firmware), manufacturing, and business, along with valuable internship opportunities. Their approach to hiring extends beyond degrees, focusing on identifying individuals with the right skills and aptitude, with an openness to developing talent internally.
“As an employer, we look at degrees, but we also look for the right person with skills and aptitude and are open to developing them. We hire electrical and mechanical engineers and have manufacturing facilities,” said Aultman.
Beyond engineering, SEL provides consulting services, including field testing, problem-solving, installations, and system testing, making them a full-service power solutions provider.
SEL’s Cloquet Office: A Regional Presence with a Global Connection
The Cloquet office of SEL is part of the North Central Region, which spans the Midwest and Canada. To gain insight into life at SEL, we spoke with John Aultman, PE Application Engineer III, and Matt Kearney, an Associate Project Engineer in SEL Automation.
John, who works in sales and customer service, is passionate about educating customers and strengthening their product knowledge. Having experienced SEL from the customer’s perspective before joining the company, he recognized the exceptional level of support that SEL provides. “SEL offers a totally different level of customer support than all other competitors. They want your product to work well for a long time. Customers are treated the same, whether small or large. We are a 100% employee-owned company, and we do what is best for us and our customers. We have 80% of the market share in the utility world,” he said.
Matt Kearney, a University of Minnesota Duluth graduate with a degree in electrical engineering, initially joined SEL as an intern before earning a full-time position. He highlights the company’s supportive and engaging work culture. “Employees are treated well, and on Fridays, there’s a lunch to share and recap the week virtually across the company. We go to Pedros Cantina downtown and join the virtual lunch in Pullman, Washington from Cloquet,” shared Kearney.
Leading the Industry
SEL’s competitors include industry giants like General Electric and Siemens, yet SEL continues to set itself apart with its commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and employee-focused culture. With a robust product line, a dedicated workforce, and a steadfast mission, SEL is a global leader in transforming the way power is managed and protected.
As SEL continues to expand, its Cloquet office and other regional locations remain integral to its success. They ensure communities and industries worldwide benefit from their cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled customer support.
105 Arch Street, 2nd Floor
Cloquet, MN 55720
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