MJS Designs exemplifies what it means to be a team-driven, highly collaborative workplace. For nearly five decades, the company’s success has been shaped by the combined efforts of dedicated team members across multiple departments. Whether it’s the sales team collaborating with designers or the manufacturing team working seamlessly with the account managers, every project at MJS Designs is a true testament to the power of collective effort and teamwork. Open communication, reciprocal understanding and the promotion of cross-department synergy has allowed MJS Designs to adapt to changing industry demands, exceed customer expectations and maintain its position as a trusted leader in the industry.
“A normal part of our process is to work with everyone,” expresses Test Technician Dave Robbins. “That’s what makes this place work – everybody working together.” Account Manager, Sonia Suarez adds, “Every single project takes the entire team. It’s going to take all of us to make sure the project is successful.”
At MJS Designs, every project is approached with the understanding that the best outcomes stem from teamwork, a principle that has been at the heart of the company since its inception. It is understood that each department plays a pivotal role in contributing its knowledge, expertise and experience, which ensures that each project is executed with precision and efficiency.
This commitment to teamwork is evident in every project, with MJS team members working as a cohesive unit from start to finish. It begins with the sales team connecting with customers to understand their needs and finalize the project requirements, followed by the purchasing department, which procures and manages the essential components for assembly. Seasoned team members like Deborah Osenbau, an 18-year veteran and Inventory Manager, play a pivotal role by ensuring all parts are accurately ordered, meticulously organized, and ready for seamless production.
DFM CAD Specialist Paul Phasouk contributes, “We develop solutions for our customers—sometimes even entirely new ones—by thinking outside the box and collaborating closely with one another.”
The design team, led by experts such as DFM CAD Specialist Paul Phasouk, a valued team member for five years, crafts the intricate board designs that serve as the foundation of each project. Once the design is complete, the manufacturing team, including expert Dominique Taylor, a 19-year veteran and Senior Manufacturing Technician, meticulously assembles the boards. From there, Test Technician Dave Robbins, with over nine years of experience at MJS Designs, and his skilled team rigorously test the assembled boards. Using advanced tools like the Flying Probe tester, they perform precise programming, troubleshooting, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) analysis to ensure every board meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
“As I am managing the customer projects, I interface with the team internally on how the project is progressing through the manufacturing lines, supporting the customers as much as possible while making myself available as much as I can to the production team here. It’s key that we remain on schedule and that we are reporting back to the customer immediately if something comes up,” explains Sonia.
Throughout the entire process, Account Managers like Sonia Suarez, a dedicated team member for 19 years, play a vital role in overseeing each project and maintaining clear, consistent communication as a customer service provider. Should questions, confirmations, or clarifications arise, her alongside other team members collaborate seamlessly—whether through email or in-person discussions—to address issues promptly and ensure the project stays on track. Adding to the team’s versatility, Kirk Collins, HR Manager with five years at MJS Designs, goes
beyond his primary role by contributing to various aspects of the manufacturing process, showcasing the company’s dynamic and collaborative spirit.
“All of us play different roles. If there is a concern, then we reach out to talk to the other departments to try to find the solution,” shares Senior Manufacturing Technician, Dominique Taylor. “We make it very easy to go to other departments. We all work very well together.”
Every project at MJS Designs involves many moving parts, requiring careful coordination to ensure it stays on time and within the quoted budget. The key to achieving this? Effective communication and it happens both proactively and reactively. At MJS Designs, the team leverages multiple communication methods such as structured meetings, project travelers, comprehensive document packages, detailed spreadsheets, and integrated systems to streamline workflows and keep everyone aligned. An additional benefit of being a close-knit team of 70 employees is the ease of quick, in-person meetups, made possible by the strong familiarity and connection among team members.
“We communicate with the customers as well as we communicate internally” shares Inventory Manager, Deborah Osenbau. Dominique adds, “We have a lot of team members that have been in the industry for a long time, so we have a lot of knowledge, which we share with each other and then in turn, pass on to the customer.”
MJS Designs fosters strong, lasting relationships with its customers thanks to both internal and external communication. Team members stay in constant contact with customers providing project updates and other key details, ensuring transparency and building trust. The timely updates customers receive are a direct result of the team’s dedication to collaboration and their willingness to share expertise and insights across departments. The breadth of knowledge amongst team members is extensive and ever evolving, as employees actively seek opportunities to enhance their skills, continuously learning and growing. The commitment to ongoing development not only strengthens the team but also enhances the customer experience.
“The teaching goes both ways. It’s a sharing of knowledge – there are a lot of very smart and experienced people here. I try to teach the younger team members as much as I can, but they teach me things, too.” expresses Dave.
The collaborative, team-focused atmosphere at MJS Designs not only drives the organization’s success but also creates a nurturing environment where employees can grow, excel, and thrive. A cornerstone of this dynamic is the deep respect shared among team members, regardless of tenure or experience. Veteran employees are often the go-to sources for guidance, mentorship, and support. Yet, the contributions of newer team members are equally valued, as they bring fresh perspectives and knowledge that enrich the entire team. This dynamic encourages employees to help and contribute to the work outside their designated role, inspiring a shared responsibility that drives the entire company forward.
“The first day I came to work at MJS Designs, I remember everyone saying ‘Good morning,’ even though I didn’t know them yet,” shares Paul. “You feel included here and it feels good to know you accomplished something,” adds Deborah.
MJS Designs functions as it does thanks to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and team-oriented culture – values that are championed from the very top by CEO Jerry Mohney and President Dawn Northrop. Their leadership, positive attitude, and unwavering encouragement set the tone, creating a workplace environment that resonates throughout the entire organization. As MJS Designs grows, it remains committed to fostering a workplace that inspires employees to enjoy their work with the best and newest technologies, delivers outstanding service to customers, and continually pushes the boundaries of innovation. It is understood and celebrated that the unique, collaborative work environment is the foundation that leads to the company’s continued success.
“I am truly honored to lead such a dedicated and talented team at MJS Designs. Nearly 30% of our staff have been with us for over a decade-a testament to their commitment and the strong culture we’ve built together. I’m deeply grateful to each person who has chosen to grow their careers with MJS Designs. It takes each and every one of us- through our dedication, experience, and daily contributions – to consistently deliver the high level of service and quality our customers count on. I am proud of what we accomplish every day” says Dawn Northrop, President of MJS Designs.
For over 45 years, MJS Designs has been a trusted leader in PCB engineering, CAD Layout, assembly and test driven by a commitment to delivering exceptional quality and precision. We partner with industry leaders in the semiconductor, agriculture, medical, commercial, aerospace, and military sectors, providing reliable PCB assembly solutions that bring their projects to life. Learn more about our capabilities and how MJS Designs can support your next project by visiting our homepage here.