First Mode
What's It Like to Work at First Mode in Seattle?
This page summarizes recurring themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about First Mode and has not been reviewed or approved by First Mode.
What's it like to work at First Mode?
Strengths in mission‑driven, hands‑on work and access to Cummins’ scale sit alongside integration‑related churn and a history of local layoffs. Together, these dynamics suggest the Seattle office offers high‑impact hardware roles within a stabilizing enterprise, while requiring comfort with change and evolving structures.
Key Insight for Candidates
Seattle is the build-and-test nucleus—design, manufacturing, and Centralia proving-grounds work converge here—so day-to-day is factory- and field-driven with strict safety cadence. Since Cummins’ acquisition, that hands-on urgency now runs through big-company processes and integration, offering resources but more structure.Evidence in Action
- Centralia Proving-Grounds Safety — Centralia, WA proving grounds work enforces tight safety procedures and cross-functional coordination (mechanical, electrical, controls, test). Seattle engineers plan around equipment availability and customer windows, with field validation shaping schedules and day-to-day priorities.
- SoDo Hands-On Build/Test — Manufacturing/retrofit operations in Seattle’s SoDo area emphasize hands-on build/test, not just simulations. Many roles get real hardware time and field validation exposure, increasing ownership and practical problem-solving in Seattle.
Positive Themes About First Mode
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Mission & Purpose: Work in Seattle is framed around cutting diesel emissions in ultra‑class mining trucks, with hands‑on design, build, and test across the SoDo manufacturing footprint and Washington proving grounds. Teams focus on near‑term, deployable hybrid and hydrogen‑battery retrofit systems that deliver field‑validated impact.
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Learning & Development: Colleagues in Seattle are often seen as highly knowledgeable and supportive, creating a strong learning environment alongside real hardware integration and test time. Cross‑functional work across mechanical, electrical, controls, and test accelerates growth.
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Market Position & Stability: Being part of Cummins Power Systems gives the Seattle hub deeper resources, mature processes, and a broad service network to scale repeatable retrofit products. This big‑company backing supports clearer roadmaps and productization compared with the pre‑acquisition period.
Considerations About First Mode
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Change Fatigue: Seattle teams are navigating the shift from one‑off prototypes to repeatable products while integrating into Cummins, leading to evolving org charts, systems, and decision paths. The blend of startup‑style urgency with enterprise standards can feel process‑heavy and ambiguous.
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Job Insecurity: History in Washington includes WARN‑notice layoffs and a rapid Chapter 11 process before the Cummins acquisition, which can weigh on perceived stability in Seattle. These events underscore recent turbulence prior to integration under a larger parent.
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Weak Management: In the Seattle context, priority shifts and frequent changes in management direction have been reported during the transition from services to products. Such churn has contributed to perceptions of chaotic organization in some teams.
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