Meridian Technology Group

It's been a while since my last post on a great Portland area employer. However, this week I came across a great reason to throw another post up: Meridian Technology Group.

I have my eyes open for a software position that I can refer a great friend of mine to. I noticed a Java based position on LinkedIn and came across Meridian. Little did I know that when I went to do more research I'd find out that they are hiring for over 100 positions in the Oregon area! I know, sounds crazy...but you can see for yourself!

They are looking for a plethora of technology focused individuals. Positions include: Java Developer, Java Lead, Business Systems Analyst, SAP Analyst, Sr Web Developer, QA Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Tester, Sys Admin, Project Manager, DBA, Marcom, Tech Writer, Help Desk Analsyt, Interwoven Developer, and many more!

Honestly, I had never heard of Meridian before stumbling across them yesterday. Their web sites says they are "an Information Technology consulting company developing mission critical, highly scalable business solutions and hardware/software engineering services for major and emerging clients throughout the western United States." They are headquartered here in Portland and despite the over 100 current openings, they employ a total of 135 according to Google Finance.

So check them out on your own and send a resume their way!

Meridian Technology Group homepage
Meridian Technology Group jobs page
Meridian Technology Group on Google Finance

Cascade Microtech

Around Portland it seems to be just Intel and Tektronics that get all the attention in the semiconductor world. However, if you are looking for a job in that industry you have more options.

One of those options is Cascade Microtech. They are a worldwide leader in the precise electrical measurement of ICs and other small structures....headquartered right here in Beaverton, Oregon. In March of 2008 they reported just over 350 employees and also have major operations in Minnesota and Arizona with smaller office around the world. They are a growing company trading on the NASDAQ (CSCD), worth over $100m.

As of this writing they have 18 open positions posted on their web site including: SEC Reporting Analyst, Sales Manager, Probe Assembler and Software Systems Engineer just to name a few.

Use the links below to do some research then hope on over to their careers page to apply for your next great job.

Cascade Microtech homepage
Cascade Microtech careers page
Cascade Microtech on Google Finance

Vesta

The Portland Business Journal relayed the news today that Vesta (not to be confused with Vestas, which I blogged about last year) is going to be adding 200 positions to it's Portland area operations.

This is a big win for Portland as we enter what could be a drawn out phase of high unemployment and general economic worries.

Vesta is a mobile phone payment solutions provider that, in addition to other things, handles many of the payment made for pre-paid phones. They boast clients named Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Yep, they pretty much work with the who's-who of the wireless industry.

Their web site currently has an interesting mix of jobs, but the 200 new jobs don't appear to be up yet (and don't expect them all at once, it could take a year to ramp up). Right now you can apply for positions such as: Product Analyst, Sr Systems Admin, Human Resource Assistant, IT Project Manager and a few more.

Their offices are located in Tigard and if you drive 217 you probably see their sign every day. Follow the below links for more info and good luck joining their team!

Vesta homepage
Vesta jobs page
Vesta on Google Finance

Silicon Florist Job Board

My favorite blog is called Silicon Florist. It gets its name from this formula: Rose City + Silicon Forest = Silicon Florist. The focus is on smaller technology companies in the Portland Oregon area. Silicon Florist is usually the first outlet to break hot technology news coming from our community.

Silicon Florist now boasts a job board where you can find out about jobs at the hottest technology and creative companies in the Portland area. You won't find much in the way of jobs at Intel or Boeing, but you will see opportunities at companies I have written about in the past, like my favorite Jive Software.

If you are in the hunt for a new opportunity and have the guts to step out into the world of startups and early stage companies, head on over to the Silicon Florist Gig Board.

Genentech, part 2

I wrote back in October 07 about Genentech, a company new to the Hillsboro area. I drive by their sprouting facility at the corner of Shute Rd and Evergreen Pkwy every day and noticed this week a big sign boasting about how great it is to work at Genentech.

I took another look at the job listings and they are still hiring for a variety of positions. If you are in the engineering field, this may be your best shot at a job change.

Their jobs page lists 34 positions including: Sr MES Analyst, Automation Engineer, Validation Engineer, Sr Maintenance Mechanic, Corporate Security Supervisor, and many more. Word on the street is that this facility will employ 300-500 people so I imagine they are hiring more than 1 person for each of the above positions.

Check them out at the below links and if you land a job at Genentech in Hillsboro, please let me know!

Genentech homepage
Genentech jobs page
Genentech on Google Finance

Average Wages in Oregon

I recently stumbled upon earnings for workers in Oregon. The data comes from the US Department of Labor and the full list can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/2fpycw. Below is a little summary of average wages in Oregon during 2006.

Average Oregon annual wage: $38,570

Computer Programmer: $67,830
Landscape Architect-: $52,270
Electrical Engineer: $83,820
Microbiologist: $55,130
Forester: $59,320
Economist: $77,040
Mental Health Counselor: $43,700
Social Worker: $40,840
Clergy: $46,080
Lawyer: $92,470
Elementary Teacher: $46,890
High School Teacher: $47,630
College Level Business Teacher: $80,320
Graphic Designer: $40,580
PR Specialist: $50,310
Pharmacist: $92,640
Surgeon: $184,510
Nurse: $63,770
Fire Fighter: $46,220
Police Officer: $42,280
Chef: $34,540
Waiter: $20,210
Hairstylist: $23,200
Retail Sales: $25,880
Real Estate Agent: $54,010
Carpenter: $38,560
Electrician: $55,660
Auto Mechanic: $35,620
Baker: $25,660
Truck Driver: $35,060
Airline Pilot: $128,440

This is just a short list, the Bureau of Labor web site has hundreds of jobs and salaries for Oregon workers.

So, are you making the average? Does this make you want to change careers? Please chime in!

Be a Teacher at Nike?

The point of this blog is to help you find jobs at places OTHER than Nike or Intel. However, I think this one is worth mentioning.

I spent 6 years at Nike and I continuously advise people that large, dynamic companies like Nike hire people for all sorts of positions. You don't have to be a salesperson or marketing whiz to work at Nike. Nike needs chefs, event planners, facilities managers, security guards, etc. In fact, during my tenure at the Swoosh they had multiple biologists on staff, studying the skin of amphibians. So don't count out a great employer just because your skill doesn't fit the stereotype.

Bringing this back full circle, Nike is aggressively hiring teachers! Thats right, the Nike campus in Beaverton hosts a child care and pre-school system with over 200 kids. In the next year, Nike's capacity for child development will more than double to 500 with the build out of a brand new state of the art facility.

Nike is putting on a virtual career fair for teachers on March 20th from 10am-5pm. The event will allow you to visit virtual "booths" to learn about the over 200 jobs at the Nike child development facilities. To learn more and register for the event, follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/33aqtg

So if you are already a teacher and are ready to explore the other opportunities the world has to offer, don't miss this event!