Want To Work There's "Life At" series aims to give readers an insider look at what it's like to work at companies across the US. Our San Diego profiles are brought to you in collaboration with Fresh Brewed Tech. You can check out past company profiles here.
This month we're taking a peek inside Cubic, one of the largest employers in San Diego!
It's been just over three years since I moved to San Diego from the midwest. Since then, I've had an unprecedented amount of exposure to the military - something that just wasn't part of my world in Chicago. While I already had immense respect and gratitude for servicemen and women, it's significantly grown since arriving. What's surprised me most, however, is my new understanding of just how robust the businesses and services are the support those who are serving our country. There is no question that Cubic is high on top of that list.
In truth, a lot of what Cubic does goes right over my head, but it's crystal clear that they play a crucial role in ensuring the mission success and safety for those who serve our nation. With a focus on providing diversified systems and services to the transportation and defense markets, Cubic is above all a company that strives to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Given this, it's no surprise that Cubic attracts incredible talent who're inspired by the same mission. In fact, the were just named one of Forbes "Best Employers for Diversity" - an honor bestowed on only 500 companies across the nation.
Diversity and inclusions programs aren't the only forward thinking initiative at Cubic, however. They also employee a 9/80 schedule - something almost unheard of at large companies! What's a 9/80? It's a compressed work schedule which consists of eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off in a 2-week period. Basically, every other Friday becomes a three-day weekend, allowing you extra time to focus on passions, commitments, and hobbies outside of work.
So cool, yes?
While I'm still trying to wrap my brain around all the engineering aspects of Cubic, one thing is crystal clear to me. Cubic's leadership team strongly understand the value of supporting and caring for not just their clients, but also their employees. And that's a sentiment that will get you - and your people - far.
Don't believe me? Here's what current Cubic employees had to say about working there!
What attracted you to Cubic?
"True story, I used to be a zoo keeper. Five years ago I needed to find a "real job" but I didn't want to lose the drive that had to positive impact on the world especially the environment. Transportation impacts our community, our ecosystems, and our economy. Cubic's fare payment technology has a tremendous effect of people's use of public transit by simply making it easier for people to pay for your bus or subway journey. That was something I could get behind." - Sean Walcott, Channel Sales Manager
"I decided to join Cubic because the benefits are awesome and you can't really beat a 9/80 schedule. When given the tour, it seemed like everyone was very passionate and hard working and that was exactly the kind of culture I wanted to submerge myself into." - Rosemary Kim, Executive Assistant
"I was a mechanical engineering intern at Cubic for two years during college. In those two years I learned a lot about the mechanical engineering field and gained useful hands-on experience. I enjoyed the work and accepted Cubic's full-time offer upon graduation." - Angela Mudge, Associate Mechanical Engineer
What do you love most about working at the company?
"I love how our products and services are invisible to the public, yet enable millions of people around the world to do whatever they do every day, seamlessly. The incessant search to find better ways to present our products and services is what keeps me and my creative brain here." - Gustavo De La Huerta-Meza, Global Customer Solutions Designer
"Opportunity and purpose. I find that there is a lot of opportunity, especially for young engineers, to innovate within the organization and assume a key role on projects. Our job is to create and innovate products that fill the training needs of our customers. If we do our jobs well, soldiers are more effective on the battlefield and are more likely to come home safely." - Justin Morinishi, Electrical Engineer
"I love the continuous drive for innovation and how supportive the culture is about employees' career growth." - Anhthu Nguyen, Product Analyst
"38 million travelers use Cubic's technology each making a tremendous impact on the economy, environment, and the community in the cities that we serve across the US and around the world. If we don't show up to work, cities shut down. It is an incredible responsibility to influence the way that people move at such a large scale. I don't think that there will be anything that I do that has this level of impact and intimacy with so many users. Also, at this point, I feel like I'm married to the company." - Sean Walcott
"There are a lot of great things about working at Cubic, such as our interesting high tech product lines, great people, and competitive total rewards. But overall, when I think about what keeps me at the organization, it’s the stimulating and challenging work. Throughout my career here I have felt engaged and able to continuously learn and grow through a variety of roles, partnerships and assignments. Getting to add value and help win our customer on a daily basis is inspiring and Cubic is constantly challenging itself to grow and be better and more innovative, which I don’t think you get in all organizations." - Shiva E. Rabei, Vice President Compensation & HRIS
How would you describe the office vibe at Cubic?
"The vibe at the company is very unique. With the different business units there is an interesting cross-section of experience and innovation. The organization has a legacy family feel from growing up in San Diego but is very flat and accessible. Ideas are valued and there is an openness to listen to these ideas as they are shared." - Ryan Waring, Corporate Development Manager
"Friendly, passionate and innovative. People here are driven and there's a healthy fire burning inside them about the work they do." - Anhthu Nguyen
"The vibe at our company is pretty laid back, but when we get down to business we take our work very seriously. We all help each other succeed at our work, which builds a strong foundation and means we work great and effectively as a team." - Michelle Nguyen, Senior Electrical Engineer
How would you describe the company leadership style?
"I can only speak to my experience here, which has been under two amazingly intelligent women that have pushed the envelope, ripped it open and burnt the status quo of corporate America - and I love them for it." - Gustavo De La Huerta-Meza
"The people in leadership are relatable and approachable. They also know when to get their hands dirty in the project, rather than just watching from the sidelines. Their door is always open and you're able to talk to them about anything at any time." - Michelle Nguyen
"Cubic's leadership is encouraging. They motivate our teams to meet strategic goals and recognize a job well done." - Angela Mudge
What's your favorite perk or benefit?
"The 9/80 schedule hands down. Who doesn't love a 3 day weekend every other weekend? So much time for activities." - Rosemary Kim
"Cubic offers an employee education assistance program that provides financial support for those employees pursuing educational advancements. I am currently enrolled in a masters program at SDSU, so this is a great benefit for me!" - Angela Mudge
"We're incredibly lucky across the board, from full medical coverage, to free coffee and bagels, cafeterias, green areas, and exercise facilities... I often think about just camping out at work." - Gustavo De La Huerta-Meza
What do you like most about living and working in San Diego?
"My favorite part of working in San Diego is the type of people in the city. San Diego is a diverse city with a lot of pride and culture. The individuals are hard working but with a great balance for life balance. There is a professional culture that is forward thinking but not pretentious." - Ryan Waring
"I went to college at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, so I've definitely gone through my share of cold. The sunny, consistent weather in San Diego is so nice, you just cannot beat it!" - Justin Morinishi
"My favorite part of working in San Diego is that it is America's finest city. I love that the city isn't so big, but still a very "happening" city. The beaches are nearby, and there are some of the best microbreweries in the nation! I'm trying new beers every week!" - Michelle Nguyen
Anything else you'd like to share about life at your Cubic?
"Working at Cubic has been a great experience personally and for my career. I love the office culture is very inclusive which makes us very "One Cubic." We value strong foundations in teamwork and supporting one another so we all succeed. Cubic is always innovating to be with or ahead of the tech market, so I'm always working with the latest technology." - Michelle Nguyen
"At first, it struck me as odd that people work at Cubic for an extended amount of years - I'm talking 40+ years in some cases. But now I understand why. It's the result of a combination of positive circumstances." - Gustavo De La Huerta-Meza
"Cubic is a great company with great people. I feel immensely supported and encouraged by my colleagues. We have a genuine desire not only for the company to do well but for each other to succeed." - Ryan Waring
Digging the vibe at Cubic? The company is growing quickly and plans to hire full-time, part-time, freelance, and hourly team members over the next year. You can be on the lookout for roles in marketing & communications, engineering, sales, operations, HR, design, product management, customer support, admin and data science.
Visit Cubic's career page to learn more.
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