https://www.xes-inc.com/about/careers/

Extreme Engineering Solutions

Associate Electronics Technician

May 2023 - January 2024 • Verona, WI

What I liked

I was in production, so I was assigned tickets and then performed mechanical assemblies and tests on PCBs. I was given a lot of independence to perform my tasks, which I personally enjoyed. XES also uses flextime, which allowed me to work the hours that worked best for me. They were also very flexible in working around my classes. Even though production is mainly an independent process, I was always invited to ask my coworkers and supervisors questions when I encounter them and always felt supported. There is an entire troubleshooting department meant to support the techs when they run into issues. I gained a lot of knowledge about industry standards in assemblies, tests, product tracking, PCB design software, etc. During my employment, there was a good group if student interns/co-ops that I connected with.

What I wish was different

While most processes are laid out in full detail, there were still times where I had to rely on my coworkers to fill in some knowledge gaps. This "tribal knowledge" is a known issue and there are attempts being made to phase it out, so I can see it improving in the future.

Advice

This internship is great for task-driven individuals that excel in multitasking. There is not a lot of collaboration involved, so being independent and focused are two qualities of a great candidate for this position. Additionally, never be afraid to ask questions, as there is a great support system in place at XES. If you show interest in taking on greater responsibilities and new processes, you will most likely be given that opportunity to grow.
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Associate Embedded Engineer

June 2020 • Verona, WI

What I liked

I was on the hardware Design Verification Test (DVT) team where I got to exercise most of my electrical engineering knowledge and skills from school using high-end oscilloscopes and other measurement equipment. However the computer science related work I got involved with was my favorite part of the job with bash and python script development. I was started with small tasks at the beginning of my co-op and took on larger and larger projects as I progressed. I liked the diversity of the projects I worked on as there was something new to learn almost every single day. This company is a great place to work at and the culture is amazing, and I was surprised how much free food I was treated to!

What I wish was different

I wish that I initially had more guidance when I first started since I needed to figure out a lot of norms and efficient ways to do things on my own, especially related to documentation. However, this led me to be more independent further on in my co-op and I was able to solve problems and debug issues by myself.

Advice

I would recommend this co-op at X-ES to other students that have very similar interests as mine. As an electrical engineering major, I have branched out to study a minor in computer science which has helped me immensely in my co-op. That being said, I would only recommend this co-op to students that are proficient with coding and who are enthusiastic about computer science. In my co-op, I have used plenty of my electrical engineering knowledge from school, however, since this co-op is listed as embedded engineering, a strong interest in computer science and computer hardware is a must.
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Associate Software Engineer

January 2020 • Madison, WI

What I liked

The opportunity to start applying my school coursework to real-life engineering. The work is always relevant and important; there is not much "busy work". The friendly, engaging atmosphere. You feel like the company is looking out for its employees and treats them well. The company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been exceptional; they gave employees the flexibility to perform work functions while staying as safe as possible (whether it's work from home, coming in at odd hours, etc.). This is a company that rewards hard work and makes you feel valued.

What I wish was different

The training process could be a bit more streamlined. They are striving to improve it. However, this presents an opportunity to stand out as a self-starter right away.

Advice

Invest your time and effort into this place, and they will invest back in you! Be prepared to take your own initiative and not be spoonfed menial tasks.
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Associate Mechanical Engineer

June - August 2020 • Madison, WI

What I liked

I was brought on as part of an outreach effort by X-ES to support UW-Madison students affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite my sudden arrival, the mechanical engineering team has given me an exceptional experience with the manufacturing and production processes which make them so successful. As someone who initially was only interested in design engineering, I have now fostered a new interest in the importance and role of manufacturing in engineering. In addition to the technical growth I experienced. Both my coworkers and management have been friendly and supportive since I started in June, turning my summer into one I have enjoyed in new and exciting ways.

What I wish was different

I would have participated in the co-op experience with X-ES, in order to have more time to work with their programs and dive into more projects.

Advice

If you are not sure if you would prefer a large corporate setting to a smaller/medium-size company, X-ES is a great example of the latter. Your coworkers, and management, at X-ES will care about your well-being and professional success.
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Associate Mechanical Engineer

May 2019 • Verona, WI

What I liked

I worked with a great people doing real engineering work starting very early on in the internship. I liked the variety of work which allowed me to gain experience in design/drafting along with working on production issues. I got to work very closely with members of my team who had previously been interns. They seemed to know exactly what I needed to succeed. This is a good company that takes good care of its people.

What I wish was different

Advice

The most valuable lesson I learned in my internship was the importance of making connections with people in other departments. I can get my work done much better and more efficiently if I know who to go to for help/questions for things outside my department.
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Human Resources Intern

June - August 2020 • Madison, WI

What I liked

There is a great company culture that allows employees to feel relaxed and be able to focus on the work. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. I never felt like I couldn't ask a question and I was always learning something new from someone around me. There is so much opportunity for growth and learning as a student and an employee even outside of your specific job duties.

What I wish was different

I wish there was more training for my position, as I was the first HR intern they ever had. It was a lot of learning as I was doing tasks, which is not a terrible thing at all.

Advice

Apply to open positions as soon as possible, even if it is before the career fair on your campus. If you get a job here, don't be afraid to ask questions! Everyone is very nice and willing to help.
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Embedded Software Engineer Co-op

January - August 2019 • Verona, WI

What I liked

Their training really helped me get comfortable with working there.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more opportunities to use the object oriented practices taught in school.

Advice

Be prepared to be working directly on the board you are programming for and troubleshooting hardware or software problems.
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Associate Embedded Engineer

May 2017 • Madison, WI

What I liked

The variety of experiences I had

What I wish was different

Advice

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Associate Embedded Engineer

January - August 2018 • Middleton, WI

What I liked

Amazing company culture. Valuable career experience and a good learning experience of the type of Engineering I do and don't enjoy.

What I wish was different

That I had been assigned more pure electrical engineering.

Advice

Work hard during your Co-op. It is the springboard for the rest of your career.
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Associate Embedded Engineer

May 2018 • Middleton, WI

What I liked

I gained a lot of real world engineering experience. The people are very nice and I feel like I am respected by my coworkers. Free pizza the last Wednesday of each month.

What I wish was different

I would've liked a little bit more training specific to my position before I was thrown into my first project. The training process is currently being improved.

Advice

Put yourself out there and make friends with people who work in engineering. There's a lot of cool people around.
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