Digital Equipment Corp.: Latest Job Openings, Reviews and Ratings & Profile wise Salary Distribution

Digital Equipment Corp. Careers & Info

Former CEO: Ken Olsen

Status: Defunct, acquired by Compaq/Hewlett Packard in 1998

Digital Equipment Corporation was a pioneering company that developed minicomputers, software applications and peripheral hardware for these machines. The company was well-known for its VAX line of midrange computers. Founded in conjunction by Ken Olsen and Harlan Anderson, the company was formed when the two noticed students at MIT were waiting to use computer resources. After acquiring capital to launch their idea, the company operated in the Maynard, Massachusetts area. Their original production consisted of modules that could be used as part of a larger computer system. This idea formed the framework for the initial minicomputer offering that the company developed, the PDP-1.

Working at Digital Equipment at the dawn of the computer era was a challenging and exciting time. Many of the employees needed to have experience with engineering and came from a military background. Early adopters of the equipment were geared toward more governmental and university operations as computers weren’t widely accepted in the general business world. Digital Equipment careers would require a basic understanding of electronics and an intuition on how to create products that would help the company get a footing in an extremely competitive marketplace. This time frame saw a number of companies start and fail in making useful products, which in turn made investors for emerging companies nervous. The idea of starting small and working toward more extensive equipment was met favorably by investors.

The Digital Equipment culture was a fast paced industry with many opportunities for advancement for the motivated individual. Many of the employees were passionate about the burgeoning use of computers in every facet of life and enjoyed creating new ideas. In fact, the founders of the company encouraged an innovated approach for employees and many of the former workers enjoyed feeling valued for their contributions. According to some people that worked at Digital Equipment, Ken Olsen was a fun and dynamic boss that brought a level of excitement to their workplace. It helped set the stage for favorable working conditions in today’s business world.

To help attract bright and motivated employees, Digital Equipment benefits were favorable toward employees. Not only did the CEO understand the need to recognize the valuable contributions his employees made toward the company’s success, but he also rewarded them justly. When the company was acquired by Compaq and then Hewlett Packard, this philosophy was brought forth, keeping employees satisfied.

What jobs pay the most at Digital Equipment Corp.?

Engineering Manager is the highest paying job at Digital Equipment Corp. at $100,000 annually.