Happy to work here - Principal Software Engineer Starkey Employee Review

5.0
Feb 2, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- The best part of working at Starkey is the positive impact we have on people. I can't think of a bigger gift to give someone than to restore their hearing. It's an essential part of most people's lives. - The engineering problems we tackle are challenging and engaging. You might be surprised how much goes into making hearing aids. - You can be influential at Starkey. With the right talent, ideas and motivation, an individual contributor can make an impact. - Starkey has been flexible throughout the pandemic, allowing most to work from home as their work allows. - 22 days of vacation per year, increasing to 27 days after 3 years of employment. Plus 1 day/year to volunteer at a charity of your choice. - Bill Austin, the owner, genuinely cares about helping others.

Cons

- Starkey sells only to resellers/hearing professionals. Competitors are beginning to sell direct to the consumer, undercutting Starkey and other major manufacturers by automating the services traditionally provided in a clinic. - Requirements and priorities change quickly and unexpectedly. - Product development is maturing, but still requires firefighting. - Regulatory requirements slow product development. - The President/CEO isn't quite the inspiration his step-father is, but neither would I be. Those are big shoes to fill.

Explore other reviews about Starkey

5.0
May 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility, good pay, rewarding work, great employees, private company

Cons

Some silos between departments can be difficult to work with sometimes

3.0
Jan 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mission-Driven Impact: You get the unique satisfaction of knowing your technical infrastructure directly supports technology that restores hearing and improves the quality of life for millions. • Innovation Hub: Because Starkey integrates AI and sensors into their hearing aids, IT engineers often work with sophisticated, modern stacks that bridge the gap between traditional enterprise IT and wearable tech. • Strong Local Culture: As a privately held company with deep roots in Minnesota, Starkey offers a stable, family-oriented environment that often feels more personal than a massive, faceless tech conglomerate.

Cons

Legacy Debt: Like many established manufacturing giants, you may encounter older legacy systems and "on-prem" hurdles that can slow down the deployment of more modern, cloud-native solutions. • Corporate Rigidity: Some employees report a traditional top-down management style, which can occasionally feel restrictive if you are used to the agile, flat autonomy found in Silicon Valley-style startups. • High-Pressure Environment: Given the precision required for medical devices and global distribution, the IT uptime requirements can lead to demanding "on-call" cycles and high-stress troubleshooting windows.

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