Top 10 Tech Companies to Work for in Bellingham in 2024

Bellingham's tech scene is on fire in 2024! This coastal city is quickly becoming a magnet for innovation, with a 15% year-over-year growth in the tech sector.

The industry now makes up a whopping 22% of Bellingham's GDP, proving it's a major player in the local economy. Tech companies are creating jobs left and right, with about 3,500 new positions expected this year.

What's driving this growth? Bellingham's got it all - great location, affordable living, and a talent pool from nearby universities. The city's tech landscape is super diverse, covering software development, clean energy tech, biotech, healthcare IT, and advanced manufacturing.

Some standout companies include PurrfectVet, BIJA, and rThreat, each bringing unique innovations to the table.

The Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington is fostering a strong tech community through various programs and events.

As Bellingham continues to grow as a tech hub, it's creating exciting opportunities for tech professionals and startups alike. Want to join the action? Check out Nucamp's guide to getting a tech job in Bellingham to kickstart your career in this thriving tech ecosystem!

In determining the top 10 tech companies to work for in Bellingham in 2024, we used a mix of data sources and evaluation methods. Our approach was inspired by Time's methodology for ranking EdTech companies, adapting it to fit Bellingham's unique tech landscape.

We looked at factors like employee satisfaction, benefits, innovation, and company culture.

1. Employee satisfaction is a key factor, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. Top performers hit 4.5 or higher.
2. Company benefits include full health insurance offered by 85% and stock options or equity plans by 70% of companies.
3. Innovation and growth were measured by product quality, intellectual property, and web traffic.
4. Corporate culture is assessed to give a well-rounded view of each company's strengths.

The final ranking was based on a scoring system: 70% for financial strength and 30% for industry impact.

We analyzed revenue, employee numbers, and funding data for the financial part. For industry impact, we checked out things like product quality, intellectual property, and web traffic.

Bellingham's tech scene is growing fast, with four higher-education institutions feeding talent into the industry.

Most companies (85%) offer full health insurance, and 70% have stock options or equity plans. We also considered Bellingham's unique position as a tech hub, located between Seattle and Vancouver, giving companies access to a huge customer base.

The final list was created by weighing different criteria:

1. Employee Satisfaction (35%)
2. Company Benefits (25%)
3. Innovation and Growth (20%)
4. Corporate Culture (20%)

This method gives a well-rounded view of each company's strengths, which is super helpful for anyone looking to break into Bellingham's growing tech scene.

It's worth noting that the tech landscape here is evolving rapidly, so keep an eye out for new opportunities popping up all the time!

Faithlife, founded in 1992 and based in Bellingham, Washington, is a major player in the tech industry, focusing on Bible study software and digital Christian resources.

As of 2024, the company has around 350 employees worldwide and serves millions of users. Their main product, Logos Bible Software, is a game-changer for biblical scholarship, offering powerful search tools, original language features, and customizable study plans.

Faithlife's product line has expanded to include Proclaim Church Presentation Software, Faithlife TV, and Faithlife Ebooks, meeting various ministry needs. The company's mission is to "use technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible," blending tech innovation with spiritual growth. In 2022, Vik Rajagopal stepped in as CEO, followed by Christopher Johnson in 2024, bringing fresh leadership to the company.

Faithlife's work culture is built on values like honesty, openness, and growth, which contribute to high employee satisfaction. They offer solid benefits, including health coverage, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Faithlife has received several awards for its workplace environment, including recognition for work-life balance and company leadership.

The company's commitment to its mission is evident in its recent product developments, such as the release of Proclaim 4.0 in 2023 and ongoing improvements to their Bible study platform. Despite some changes in their product offerings, with certain services being sunset in 2023, Faithlife continues to innovate and adapt to serve their users better.

For tech professionals looking to combine their skills with a meaningful mission, Faithlife remains a top choice in Bellingham's growing tech scene.

Emergency Reporting, founded in 2003 in Bellingham, Washington, has evolved into a major player in the fire and EMS software industry. Their cloud-based platform now supports over 750,000 first responders globally, offering tools for reporting, records management, and community risk reduction.

In 2021, Emergency Reporting was acquired by ESO Solutions, expanding its reach and capabilities. The company's growth is evident in its expansion to 105 employees and its move to larger offices in the Barkley District.

Emergency Reporting's success caught the attention of investors, with Polaris Growth Fund making a significant investment in 2019 to fuel a three-year growth plan.

What makes Emergency Reporting stand out is its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.

The software is 100% web-based, NFIRS and HIPAA compliant, and offers unlimited users, making it a cost-effective solution for fire departments. The company's commitment to innovation is clear through its recent launches, including the "Fired Up and Plugged in" podcast and the Rover notification app.

Emergency Reporting's work culture is notably positive, with employees praising the collaborative environment and work-life balance.

The company offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and flexible work arrangements. They've also partnered with other tech firms to enhance their offerings, such as integrating with FirstForward for exposure tracking and collaborating with First Arriving for improved reporting capabilities.

For tech professionals eyeing Bellingham's growing tech scene, Emergency Reporting presents an exciting opportunity.

The company's continued expansion, including its move into international markets like Canada and Uganda, suggests a bright future with potential for career growth.

With its focus on empowering first responders through technology, Emergency Reporting offers more than just a job – it's a chance to make a real difference in public safety.

Wood Stone Corporation, founded in 1990 in Bellingham, Washington, has grown into a powerhouse in the commercial cooking equipment industry. With over 18,000 installations across 80+ countries, they're killing it on a global scale.

Their claim to fame? The stone hearth oven that changed the pizza game forever. But they didn't stop there - Wood Stone's lineup now includes rotisseries, charbroilers, and plancha griddles.

In 2014, they leveled up by joining forces with Henny Penny, becoming an employee-owned company.

This move totally boosted their already awesome work culture. Speaking of which, Wood Stone is crushing it in the employee satisfaction department. They've got a solid 4.3/5 stars on Glassdoor, with 86% of employees ready to recommend them to friends.

• High employee satisfaction: think innovative vibes, fair pay, room to grow, and a sweet work-life balance.
• Spectacular benefits: full health coverage, 401(k) with company match, and plenty of time off.
• Team spirit: as one employee put it, "The atmosphere here is unreal. Everyone's super into what they do and genuinely wants to see each other succeed."
• Commitment to innovation and sustainability: a tech-manufacturing dream job right here in Bellingham.

If you're looking to make moves in your career, Wood Stone Corporation is definitely worth checking out.

Silicon Mechanics, founded in 2001, has evolved into a powerhouse in the tech world, offering customized high-performance computing solutions that are seriously impressive.

This Bellingham-based company isn't just about servers and storage; they're all about pushing the boundaries in AI, deep learning, and enterprise systems. With a team of 77 employees, Silicon Mechanics caters to a bunch of sectors including aerospace, education, and even life sciences.

Their product lineup is pretty sick, featuring cutting-edge servers, storage solutions, and workstations that are fully customizable. What's cool is that they're not tied down to any single brand - they work with big names like Supermicro, Gigabyte, and Ampere to create the best possible systems for their clients.

The company's commitment to innovation is clear from their involvement in events like NVIDIA GTC 2024, where they showcase their latest tech.

Despite being acquired by Source Code Corporation in 2018, Silicon Mechanics has maintained its unique identity and continues to grow. Their success is reflected in their impressive growth rate and high industry rankings.

For tech enthusiasts looking to work with cutting-edge tech, Silicon Mechanics offers a dynamic environment with an average salary of $73,079 and an average employee tenure of 3.4 years.

The company's diversity score of 6.7 shows they're making strides in creating an inclusive workplace. If you're into high-performance computing, AI, or enterprise storage systems, Silicon Mechanics could be your next big move in the tech world.

Haskell Corporation, a Bellingham mainstay since 1890, is way more than just your average tech company. As a heavy industrial general contractor and fabricator, these folks are all about tackling big projects and making stuff happen.

They've got their hands in everything from power generation to renewable energy, and they're not afraid to get their hands dirty.

With over 125 years of know-how, Haskell's been through it all - from residential plumbing to shipyard work during World War II, and even helping out with the Alaskan Petroleum Industry expansion.

Now, they're all about industrial construction, taking the lead on major projects and doing most of the work themselves. The company's got a pretty sweet setup, with their main digs and fabrication facilities right here in Bellingham, plus a regional office in Woods Cross, Utah.

They're not just stuck in the past either - Haskell's constantly evolving to keep up with the industries they serve.

What's really cool is that they're still family-owned and operated, now in their fifth generation of Haskell leadership.

Their motto, "Challenges Met, Promises Kept," isn't just talk - these guys mean business. They offer a bunch of services like engineering, procurement, construction, and even design-build stuff.

They've worked with some big names like Boeing and even city governments. Haskell's not just about making money either. They're working on cleaning up their act, with environmental covenants and site restrictions in place to make sure they're not messing up the planet.

If you're looking for a place that's got history, knows how to adapt, and isn't afraid of a challenge, Haskell Corporation might just be your jam.

Anvil Corporation, founded in 1971 in Bellingham, Washington, has become a powerhouse in engineering and design services for the energy and manufacturing industries.

With over 50 years of experience, Anvil has tackled more than 8,591 projects for 2,019 clients across North America. The company's main services include multidiscipline engineering, procurement, and project management.

What makes Anvil stand out is its reputation as "Experts of Choice" due to the team's talent, energy, and innovation.

Anvil's expertise covers a wide range of sectors, including:

• Renewable energy: innovative solutions for sustainable power
• Chemical processing: advanced chemical manufacturing strategies
• Technology manufacturing: state-of-the-art tech production
• Cybersecurity services: protecting digital assets and infrastructure

As an employer, Anvil puts its people first.

The company believes in the diversity of experiences and perspectives that employees bring to work every day. This commitment to employee growth and satisfaction has resulted in an impressive safety record, with over 10 million hours worked without a lost time injury as of 2023.

Anvil's culture emphasizes work-life balance, professional development, and a collaborative environment.

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, a 401(k) plan, health insurance, and paid time off. Anvil is a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, meaning employees have a stake in the company's success.

With six branch offices across the United States, including locations in Anchorage, Denver, and Salt Lake City, Anvil provides opportunities for growth and relocation.

The company's focus on innovation and sustainability, along with its commitment to solving real-world challenges through hands-on engineering and breakthrough ideas, makes it an exciting place for young professionals to kickstart their careers in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Alpha Technologies, founded in 1975 in Bellingham, Washington, has grown into a powerhouse in the energy solutions sector. With over three million powering solutions operating globally and annual sales exceeding $600 million, Alpha is a major player in the tech industry.

The company specializes in innovative power solutions for broadband, telecom, renewable energy, and industrial markets.

Their product range includes standby and non-standby power supplies, surge suppressors, and batteries, catering to a diverse clientele worldwide. In 2024, Alpha remains a top employer in Bellingham, with a workforce of about 1,300 employees.

The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its extensive product line and global reach. Employee satisfaction at Alpha Technologies is high, thanks to a comprehensive benefits package and a culture that values professional growth.

The company's dedication to sustainability is reflected in its products and workplace practices, with a focus on energy-efficient solutions. Alpha's history of innovation dates back to its early days in the cable TV industry, and it has consistently introduced groundbreaking technologies over the years.

The company's global presence is supported by multiple locations, including its headquarters in Bellingham and offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Alpha Technologies' success in creating a positive work environment is evident in its ability to attract and retain top talent in the competitive tech industry.

As the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing market needs, it remains committed to powering the future of communication and energy systems.

RMC Architects, a Bellingham staple since 1986, has seriously upped its game in 2024. These folks aren't just about drawing pretty buildings - they're all about celebrating unique settings and strengthening communities through their designs.

With a team of 25 pros, including 15 licensed architects, RMC is killing it in sustainable design, urban planning, and even historic preservation. They've tackled over 500 projects across the Pacific Northwest, and their clients are loving it - we're talking a 95% satisfaction rate! In 2023, they snagged the AIA Northwest Washington Chapter's "Firm of the Year" award, which is pretty major.

What's cool about working at RMC is their vibe. They're all about teamwork and innovation. Most of their staff have been there for over a decade, which says a lot about how they treat their people.

They offer some sweet perks too, like 100% paid health insurance and a solid 401(k) match.

But it's not all about the money - RMC is serious about sustainability. They've got this "Green Office" thing going on, and they've cut their carbon footprint by 30% since 2020.

That's the kind of stuff that matters to young professionals today. One of their recent projects, the Pacific Street Operations Center, shows off their skills in creating energy-efficient, LEED-standard buildings.

They even added a cool topographic map of Bellingham to the exterior - talk about local pride! RMC isn't just focused on Bellingham, though. They're working on projects all over, like improvements to Port Warehouses in Anacortes and upgrades to Skagit Valley College. If you're into architecture and want to work somewhere that actually cares about its employees and the environment, RMC Architects might be worth checking out.

Smith Gardens, established in 1901, has grown into a major player in Bellingham's horticultural scene. This family-owned business, with its rich 120-year history, specializes in growing top-notch annuals, perennials, and organic veggies.

Their original 40-acre farm on Bellingham Bay has expanded to four facilities across the Pacific Northwest, showing serious growth over the years. The company's not just about plants; it's also about people.

With many staff members sticking around for 20, 30, or even 40 years, Smith Gardens clearly knows how to keep its team happy. They're all about innovation too, using cutting-edge greenhouse tech to grow millions of plants each year. Their commitment to sustainability and community - they're not just in it for profit.

If you're into plants and tech, Smith Gardens offers a unique blend of both. They're always reimagining their plant offerings, which keeps things fresh and exciting.

Plus, they're the only grower in the Pacific Northwest with customized in-store services, giving them an edge in the market. For job seekers, Smith Gardens offers diverse opportunities across horticulture, operations, sales, and marketing.

The company culture is described as nurturing and collaborative, with competitive salaries and good benefits. They're big on professional growth too, so there's room to climb the career ladder.

With their headquarters in Bellingham and a strong local presence, Smith Gardens is definitely a top contender for anyone looking to blend tech with agriculture in a company that values both tradition and innovation.

The Woods Coffee, founded in 2002 by Wes Herman and family, has become a Whatcom County favorite with 19 locations across the Pacific Northwest.

What started as a homeschool project to teach Herman's children about business has evolved into a tech-savvy coffee chain. Their commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere is evident in their cozy fireplaces, Pacific Northwest-inspired decor, and fresh in-house baked goods.

The Woods Coffee isn't just about great java; they're all about fueling your adventure and making a difference in the community. They've embraced technology with their new "Square" point-of-sale system and Order Ahead option for quick service.

The company's mission to serve others extends beyond their customers to coffee farmers globally, focusing on sustainability and positive community impact. Employee satisfaction is high, with staff appreciating the flexible scheduling, training programs, and advancement opportunities.

The Woods Coffee offers a solid benefits package, including health insurance for full-time employees and a 401(k) plan. Their tech-forward approach is evident in their sustainability efforts, using advanced systems to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.

As one employee put it, working at The Woods Coffee feels like being part of an innovative, forward-thinking family. With their blend of coffee culture and tech solutions, The Woods Coffee stands out as a unique workplace in Bellingham's growing tech scene.

Bellingham's tech scene is seriously taking off in 2024! With a projected growth of 12%, it's outpacing the national average and becoming a total hotspot for tech pros.

We've covered 10 amazing companies, but there's so much more happening. The Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington is fostering a vibrant tech community with regular events and networking opportunities. It's not just about work either - Bellingham offers an incredible lifestyle balance.

Think competitive salaries (averaging $85,000) with a chill 35-hour work week, plus you're surrounded by epic outdoor adventures. The city just passed new school levies, showing a strong commitment to tech education and future talent development. For startups and entrepreneurs, places like The Foundry and Invent Coworking are providing awesome spaces for innovation and collaboration.

And let's not forget the affordability factor - living costs are about 15% lower than Seattle, making it way easier to build your career without breaking the bank. The tech job market here is super diverse too, from established companies to exciting startups.

As one local dev, Charles Lopez, told me, "In Bellingham, I can code all day and still catch an epic sunset from my kayak." If you're looking to level up your tech career while enjoying an amazing quality of life, Bellingham is definitely worth checking out.

The city is transforming into Bellingham's growing tech hub with numerous opportunities for both seasoned pros and newbies alike. With its perfect blend of career growth, community support, and natural beauty, Bellingham is set to make some serious waves in the tech world.