Careers – About - J.W. Speaker

CAREERS AT J.W. SPEAKER

Your Future. Brought To Light

At J.W. Speaker, we are explorers who solve problems that others can’t. Join our innovative team to design and build cutting-edge, high-quality vehicle lighting that powers the greatest vehicle brands

Find your path to
a brighter future

Bright ideas that leave others in the dark can come from anywhere…or anyone. Don’t settle. Be a part of pushing boundaries to create game-changing products through innovation, exploration, and performance:

Innovation

Our desire to innovate solves problems others can’t—in ways that no one else can—to create solutions that set new standards and deliver lasting value.

Exploration

Our intellectual curiosity and “can do” attitude fuels an endless pursuit of improvement that helps our customers see problems as opportunities.

Performance

Our ability to push the envelope of what’s possible with technology delivers superior performance that improves visibility and safety.

J.W. Speaker Associates Say It Best

“J.W Speaker has a wide range of engineering opportunities for interns and professionals. They offer an engineering rotational program for employees who have graduated and are trying to figure out their career path, much like myself.

I have had the opportunity to experience Mechanical Testing, Project Management, New Product Development Design, New Product Development Manufacturing, and Current Product Development. During my time in each department, I was exposed to the responsibilities each role has during an engineering project. J.W. Speaker also offers a casual work environment and flexible work hours, which I love, and I have been surrounded by wonderful co-workers!”

– Ashley H.

“After completing my Electronics Engineering degree, I struggled to secure an Engineering position due to lack of experience or internship. So, I decided to apply to J.W. Speaker to kick-start my career at a company that was willing to take a chance on me. I have now been an employee at J.W. Speaker for 12 years.

I started as an Electronics Tech in SMT before moving to a Test Specialist position in the Mechanical Lab through an internal job posting. This opportunity made me realize that the company was committed to advancing the careers of its internal associates. During my time in the lab, my managers frequently asked me about my long-term goals. I responded by saying that I wanted to become an Electrical Engineer since I already had an Engineering degree. With the outstanding support I received from numerous people in the company, I was able to progress to the Electronics Lab and then into Engineering.

I received a few more promotions before eventually becoming the Electronics Engineering Manager. Thanks to the guidance and training I received, J.W. Speaker has helped me surpass my goals. I feel grateful for the opportunities this company has provided me.”

– Stanley B.

“After more than 20 years at J.W. Speaker, I can say that it has been a wonderful experience. The company ensures that employees feel comfortable and supported, which translates to higher productivity. We have designated leaders who help us achieve our daily goals, and we have daily meetings to discuss results and learn from mistakes. J.W. Speaker values hard work and offers opportunities for growth and promotions if you want to grow. They are also flexible with scheduling, which has allowed me to work on different shifts over the years.”

– Melissa G.

Be a part of something bigger

All of our associates are driven by solving real-world problems with innovations that provide better visibility and keep people safer.

Work with major brands

Premium global brands seek out our commitment to precision, innovation and design to realize their vision and make an impact with best-in-class solutions.

Join a winning team

Our culture of creativity, mutual respect and support for each other brings out the best in everyone to help us navigate uncharted waters.

Invest in yourself
and your future

Our associate benefits empower the health and well-being of our associates to fuel their curious mindset and our collective growth.

Are You Driven…To See More?
Let’s Do This. Power Up Your Career and Unleash Your Potential

FAQs

Check out some of the most frequently-asked career questions to find out what’s it’s like to work at J.W. Speaker.

Q: Do you post all of your open positions on the website?

A: Yes! If we have an open position, we will post it on our website. The only exception to this is jobs we plan to fill with internal candidates.

Q: I have seen this job opening on your website for quite some time… What gives?

A: We are very fortunate at J.W. Speaker to be a growing company! As a result, we have several teams who are expanding due to growth and workload, and are looking to fill new positions within their group. That’s why you might see some positions posted more often than others.

Q: Do I have to apply online?

A: Yes, we only accept online applications today. This way, we can store your application/resume electronically, which is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Q: I applied online…Now what?

A: Our Human Resources team reviews online applications and resumes several times a week. If you could be a fit for one of our open positions, we will email you to set up either a phone interview or an in-person interview.

Q: What’s the interview process like?

A: It depends on the position. Most of the time, we start with a short phone conversation. After that, there is an in-person interview with the hiring manager and a member of HR. Sometimes, there may be a second in-person interview where candidates meet potential teammates, additional leaders in our organization, and go on a company tour. We try and make this process as convenient as possible!

Q: How soon will you make a decision after I interview?

A: While we are always eager to fill our openings, finding the right fit for both of us is much more important than filling the position quickly. Oftentimes, we have multiple candidates to interview for our openings, and busy schedules sometime make this process take a few weeks. We will always try to share the expected timeline with you when you have your interview.

Q: If I am not selected for the job I applied to, will I still be considered for other positions?

A: Absolutely! We will keep your application/resume on file for 6 months. You may, however, apply for additional jobs online if you see something that interests you.

Q: Do you hire interns?

A: We sure do! The majority of our internships available include engineering students in either Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial/Manufacturing engineering programs. We participate in several on-campus career fairs every year, as well as on-campus recruiting. Most of our interns work year-round and attend schools in the Milwaukee area, although some are “summer-only” internships. These openings are typically posted on your school’s job board.

Q: What’s it like to work at J.W. Speaker?

A: We are a very fast-paced environment with a constant focus on continuous improvement. This means that we are always moving forward, trying to be better than we were the day before. Our associates are passionate about their careers, they love to learn, and their entrepreneurial spirit is contagious!

Q: I am a recruiter – can I help fill your position?

A: Thanks for your interest in helping us fill our openings. While we do use third-party recruiters from time to time, we have established partnerships with our current staffing providers and are not looking to add any new ones at this time.

J.W. Speaker values diversity in our workforce. Additionally, there are many administrative and contractual responsibilities placed on J.W. Speaker as a government contractor. To remain in compliance with our Affirmative Action Plan, resumes and applications for job openings at J.W. Speaker must be documented and all applicants surveyed for their race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and protected veteran status.

Applicant Policy:

· Applications and resumes will be accepted ONLY when there is an open and/or listed position. Unsolicited applications and resumes will not be retained or considered.

· All applicants must specify the job(s) for which they are applying. Application forms that indicate “any job” or incomplete applications will not be considered.

· A listing of open positions will be available on our website, supplied to all state job agencies and/or local departments of workforce development and also can be provided upon request.

· Although an applicant may submit a resume along with their application, the application form must be completed in its entirety for consideration. Only applicants who complete an application will be considered. All candidates who receive telephone interviews and/or in-person interviews are required to fully complete the employment application in order to receive further consideration for the position.

· Applications will be actively considered for 180 days. After that period of time, an applicant will be required to re-apply if a position becomes available.

· Internal applications in the form of employee “Promotion/Transfer Requests” will be actively considered for 180 days.