About
Vision
To design the future by empowering those who build it
Mission
Our mission
What drives our work
Second Order Effects partners with organizations confronting technically rigorous and socially impactful challenges. We work across industries and disciplines to unlock capabilities for these partners and empower them to achieve their missions. As we go, we focus as much on defining problems and developing individuals as on delivering solutions.
The second-order effect of our approach is a team increasingly capable of identifying and addressing the right problems - those with the greatest potential for compounding systemic impact. Progress isnʼt what we build today; itʼs what weʼre capable of building tomorrow.
Values
Our values
Why we work
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 95 35 L 115 65 L 125 50 L 130 90 L 155 120 L 115 175 L 100 180 L 95 180 L 115 155 L 110 140 L 90 115 L 85 105 L 85 70 L 65 105 L 80 125 L 65 145 L 60 140 L 55 125 L 45 145 L 65 180 L 60 180 L 40 170 L 0 120 L 20 90 L 25 50 L 45 70 L 90 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="xiRlr3Pze" transform="translate(10 0)" width="155px"/></svg>)
Empower others
We put others first; our clients, our colleagues, and our teams. We collaborate, support, and develop people, because our greatest potential is in preparing the teams of tomorrow.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 49.655 80 L 0 85 L 44.138 110 L 16.552 145 L 60.69 135 L 71.724 180 L 93.793 140 L 143.448 160 L 115.862 115 L 160 95 L 110.345 85 L 121.379 40 L 82.759 70 L 33.103 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="ZCTjI4DyL" transform="translate(10 0)" width="160px"/></svg>)
Lead with curiosity
We embrace challenges, ask thoughtful questions, and learn from every experience. Listening, sharing knowledge, and understanding the “why” behind decisions guide how we grow and improve together.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z M 65.173 163.104 L 53.103 151.034 L 24.138 180 L 0 155.862 L 28.966 126.896 L 16.896 114.827 L 70 110 Z M 90 0 C 139.706 0 180 40.294 180 90 C 180 139.706 139.706 180 90 180 C 86.199 180 82.448 179.764 78.763 179.305 L 81.237 159.458 C 84.104 159.815 87.028 160 90 160 C 128.66 160 160 128.66 160 90 C 160 51.34 128.66 20 90 20 C 51.34 20 20 51.34 20 90 C 20 92.972 20.185 95.896 20.542 98.763 L 0.695 101.237 C 0.236 97.552 0 93.801 0 90 C 0 40.294 40.294 0 90 0 Z M 90 35 C 120.376 35 145 59.624 145 90 C 145 120.376 120.376 145 90 145 C 86.246 145 82.57 144.623 79.011 143.9 L 82.989 124.3 C 85.246 124.758 87.59 125 90 125 C 109.33 125 125 109.33 125 90 C 125 70.67 109.33 55 90 55 C 70.67 55 55 70.67 55 90 C 55 92.41 55.242 94.754 55.7 97.011 L 36.1 100.989 C 35.377 97.43 35 93.754 35 90 C 35 59.624 59.624 35 90 35 Z M 90 70 C 101.046 70 110 78.954 110 90 C 110 101.046 101.046 110 90 110 C 78.954 110 70 101.046 70 90 C 70 78.954 78.954 70 90 70 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="rt_ONkABG" width="180px"><path d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="KhBcnPT4t" width="180px"/><path d="M 65.173 53.104 L 53.103 41.034 L 24.138 70 L 0 45.862 L 28.966 16.896 L 16.896 4.827 L 70 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="70px" id="wa3bNLNIK" transform="translate(0 110)" width="70px"/><path d="M 90 0 C 139.706 0 180 40.294 180 90 C 180 139.706 139.706 180 90 180 C 86.199 180 82.448 179.764 78.763 179.305 L 81.237 159.458 C 84.104 159.815 87.028 160 90 160 C 128.66 160 160 128.66 160 90 C 160 51.34 128.66 20 90 20 C 51.34 20 20 51.34 20 90 C 20 92.972 20.185 95.896 20.542 98.763 L 0.695 101.237 C 0.236 97.552 0 93.801 0 90 C 0 40.294 40.294 0 90 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="xzLuzf8uB" width="180px"/><path d="M 55 0 C 85.376 0 110 24.624 110 55 C 110 85.376 85.376 110 55 110 C 51.246 110 47.57 109.623 44.011 108.9 L 47.989 89.3 C 50.246 89.758 52.59 90 55 90 C 74.33 90 90 74.33 90 55 C 90 35.67 74.33 20 55 20 C 35.67 20 20 35.67 20 55 C 20 57.41 20.242 59.754 20.7 62.011 L 1.1 65.989 C 0.377 62.43 0 58.754 0 55 C 0 24.624 24.624 0 55 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="110px" id="svEEehikx" transform="translate(35 35)" width="110px"/><path d="M 20 0 C 31.046 0 40 8.954 40 20 C 40 31.046 31.046 40 20 40 C 8.954 40 0 31.046 0 20 C 0 8.954 8.954 0 20 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="40px" id="Mh51eInpL" transform="translate(70 70)" width="40px"/></g></svg>)
Build the right thing
We focus on creating solutions that truly add value. By understanding core problems and aligning with client needs, we deliver work we’re proud of–work that has lasting impact and avoids harm.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 70 0 C 97.614 0 120 22.386 120 50 L 120 80 L 140 80 L 140 180 L 0 180 L 0 80 L 20 80 L 20 50 C 20 22.386 42.386 0 70 0 Z M 62.234 136.257 L 46.246 120.246 L 33.51 132.965 L 62.246 161.742 L 106.496 117.354 L 93.748 104.646 Z M 70 20 C 53.431 20 40 33.431 40 50 L 40 80 L 100 80 L 100 50 C 100 33.431 86.569 20 70 20 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="JMmaUkO1N" transform="translate(20 0)" width="140px"/></svg>)
Own the outcome
We take responsibility for what we build and how we build it. By anticipating challenges, communicating openly, and addressing problems proactively, we strengthen trust, collaboration, and lasting results.
APPROACH
Our approach
How we work
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g d="M 0 10 L 15 10 L 15 120 L 0 120 Z M 24 0 L 24 95 L 28.669 95 C 44.656 95 60.411 98.833 74.611 106.178 L 82 110 L 82 15 L 74.611 11.178 C 60.411 3.833 44.656 0 28.669 0 Z M 155 0 L 155 95 L 150.331 95 C 134.344 95 118.589 98.833 104.389 106.178 L 97 110 L 97 15 L 104.389 11.178 C 118.589 3.833 134.344 0 150.331 0 Z M 165 10 L 180 10 L 180 120 L 165 120 Z M 180 120 L 180 105 C 157.244 105 134.73 109.682 113.861 118.756 L 111 120 Z M 0 120 L 0 105 C 22.756 105 45.27 109.682 66.139 118.756 L 69 120 Z" fill="transparent" height="120px" id="hH_45Cydm" transform="translate(0 30)" width="180px"><path d="M 0 0 L 15 0 L 15 110 L 0 110 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="110px" id="WaiaCZ9Gu" transform="translate(0 10)" width="15px"/><path d="M 0 0 L 0 95 L 4.669 95 C 20.656 95 36.411 98.833 50.611 106.178 L 58 110 L 58 15 L 50.611 11.178 C 36.411 3.833 20.656 0 4.669 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="110px" id="YADB2Q7uC" transform="translate(24 0)" width="58px"/><path d="M 58 0 L 58 95 L 53.331 95 C 37.344 95 21.589 98.833 7.389 106.178 L 0 110 L 0 15 L 7.389 11.178 C 21.589 3.833 37.344 0 53.331 0 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="110px" id="G0oZqD3D5" transform="translate(97 0)" width="58px"/><path d="M 0 0 L 15 0 L 15 110 L 0 110 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="110px" id="sT1E8dz55" transform="translate(165 10)" width="15px"/><path d="M 69 15 L 69 0 C 46.244 0 23.73 4.682 2.861 13.756 L 0 15 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="15px" id="eugPBzi_O" transform="translate(111 105)" width="69px"/><path d="M 0 15 L 0 0 C 22.756 0 45.27 4.682 66.139 13.756 L 69 15 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="15px" id="wthyjyN9S" transform="translate(0 105)" width="69px"/></g></svg>)
We learn
We welcome uncertainty. We master complex and novel engineering challenges. This allows us to expand our expertise, cross-train in new areas, and research technology deeply. We share our knowledge with our clients and give them the tools to grow their own technology base.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 129.5 0 C 138.06 0 145 6.94 145 15.5 C 145 24.06 138.06 31 129.5 31 C 128.635 31 127.787 30.927 126.96 30.791 L 107.152 59.679 C 110.723 63.673 112.917 68.921 112.995 74.682 L 148.042 84.638 C 151.194 80.026 156.493 77 162.5 77 C 172.165 77 180 84.835 180 94.5 C 180 104.165 172.165 112 162.5 112 C 159.569 112 156.807 111.279 154.38 110.005 L 125.204 137.931 C 126.355 140.38 127 143.115 127 146 C 127 156.493 118.493 165 108 165 C 97.507 165 89 156.493 89 146 C 89 139.211 92.562 133.254 97.918 129.894 L 89.358 97.99 C 82.437 97.801 76.279 94.553 72.188 89.55 L 34.966 106.429 C 34.987 106.783 35 107.14 35 107.5 C 35 110.153 34.408 112.668 33.352 114.921 L 49.821 131.685 C 51.133 131.24 52.538 131 54 131 C 61.18 131 67 136.82 67 144 C 67 151.18 61.18 157 54 157 C 46.82 157 41 151.18 41 144 C 41 142.735 41.181 141.513 41.518 140.356 L 24.846 123.387 C 22.612 124.421 20.124 125 17.5 125 C 7.835 125 0 117.165 0 107.5 C 0 98.526 6.755 91.131 15.457 90.119 L 27.7 38.192 C 22.476 34.923 19 29.118 19 22.5 C 19 12.283 27.283 4 37.5 4 C 47.717 4 56 12.283 56 22.5 C 56 25.419 55.322 28.179 54.118 30.634 L 78.538 55.054 C 81.912 53.111 85.827 52 90 52 C 92.478 52 94.864 52.393 97.101 53.118 L 116.801 24.388 C 115.036 21.871 114 18.807 114 15.5 C 114 6.94 120.94 0 129.5 0 Z M 110.027 86.313 C 107.915 90.044 104.792 93.125 101.029 95.186 L 109.583 127.065 C 112.225 127.283 114.714 128.042 116.938 129.23 L 146.3 101.128 C 145.676 99.605 145.26 97.976 145.089 96.273 Z M 17.5 100 C 13.358 100 10 103.358 10 107.5 C 10 111.642 13.358 115 17.5 115 C 21.642 115 25 111.642 25 107.5 C 25 103.358 21.642 100 17.5 100 Z M 162.5 87 C 158.358 87 155 90.358 155 94.5 C 155 98.642 158.358 102 162.5 102 C 166.642 102 170 98.642 170 94.5 C 170 90.358 166.642 87 162.5 87 Z M 45.634 39.118 C 43.715 40.059 41.611 40.679 39.39 40.904 L 27.133 92.889 C 28.239 93.619 29.258 94.471 30.169 95.427 L 67.28 78.598 C 67.096 77.425 67 76.224 67 75 C 67 70.827 68.111 66.912 70.054 63.538 Z M 90 66 C 85.029 66 81 70.029 81 75 C 81 79.971 85.029 84 90 84 C 94.971 84 99 79.971 99 75 C 99 70.029 94.971 66 90 66 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="165px" id="CgrOkhKRd" transform="translate(0 7)" width="180px"/></svg>)
We think
We bring deep and functional expertise from the aerospace, automation, automotive, consumer, and biomedical industries. We work collaboratively with our clients through each engineering decision. Together, we’ll craft design parameters, develop tests to minimize risk, increase your knowledge, and produce results.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z M 18.134 121.567 L 47.687 92.015 L 0 44.328 L 44.328 0 L 92.015 47.687 L 132.985 6.716 C 153.58 10.999 169.673 27.091 173.955 47.687 L 132.985 88.657 L 180 135.672 L 135.672 180 L 88.657 132.985 L 59.105 162.537 L 7.052 173.619 Z M 163.881 135.672 L 155.989 127.78 L 143.899 139.869 L 135.84 131.81 L 147.929 119.72 L 140.037 111.828 L 127.948 123.918 L 119.888 115.858 L 131.978 103.769 L 124.925 96.716 L 96.716 124.925 L 135.672 163.881 Z M 83.955 55.746 L 76.231 48.022 L 64.142 60.112 L 56.082 52.052 L 68.172 39.963 L 60.28 32.071 L 48.19 44.16 L 40.131 36.101 L 52.22 24.011 L 44.328 16.119 L 16.119 44.328 L 55.746 83.955 Z M 24.792 145.029 C 29.412 147.47 33.204 151.261 35.644 155.881 L 53.43 152.092 L 59.77 145.753 C 55.59 134.201 46.471 125.082 34.919 120.902 L 28.58 127.241 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="G8_Bymgoz" width="180px"><path d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="iXtRCT0ke" width="180px"/><path d="M 18.134 121.567 L 47.687 92.015 L 0 44.328 L 44.328 0 L 92.015 47.687 L 132.985 6.716 C 153.58 10.999 169.673 27.091 173.955 47.687 L 132.985 88.657 L 180 135.672 L 135.672 180 L 88.657 132.985 L 59.105 162.537 L 7.052 173.619 Z M 163.881 135.672 L 155.989 127.78 L 143.899 139.869 L 135.84 131.81 L 147.929 119.72 L 140.037 111.828 L 127.948 123.918 L 119.888 115.858 L 131.978 103.769 L 124.925 96.716 L 96.716 124.925 L 135.672 163.881 Z M 83.955 55.746 L 76.231 48.022 L 64.142 60.112 L 56.082 52.052 L 68.172 39.963 L 60.28 32.071 L 48.19 44.16 L 40.131 36.101 L 52.22 24.011 L 44.328 16.119 L 16.119 44.328 L 55.746 83.955 Z M 24.792 145.029 C 29.412 147.47 33.204 151.261 35.644 155.881 L 53.43 152.092 L 59.77 145.753 C 55.59 134.201 46.471 125.082 34.919 120.902 L 28.58 127.241 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="SC6cRH38O" width="180px"/></g></svg>)
We build
We create reliable, customized, low-risk hardware and software. We work from prototype demo, to production-ready, to deployed in the field. We environmentally test hardware and repair any issues in-house. Our technicians and engineers can transform a napkin sketch into a sellable product.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 180 180" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z M 180 140 L 90 140 L 90 180 L 0 180 L 0 90 L 40 90 L 40 0 L 180 0 Z M 85 26 L 85 44 L 123.271 44 L 23.636 143.636 L 36.364 156.364 L 136 56.728 L 136 95 L 154 95 L 154 26 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="crvZkChSU" width="180px"><path d="M 0 180 L 0 0 L 180 0 L 180 180 Z" fill="transparent" height="180px" id="kxf31ds_y" width="180px"/><path d="M 180 140 L 90 140 L 90 180 L 0 180 L 0 90 L 40 90 L 40 0 L 180 0 Z M 85 26 L 85 44 L 123.271 44 L 23.636 143.636 L 36.364 156.364 L 136 56.728 L 136 95 L 154 95 L 154 26 Z" fill="rgb(0, 0, 0)" height="180px" id="XWeTAtwrv" width="180px"/></g></svg>)
We scale
As our clients’ needs expand, we can scale our relationships to support that business growth. We develop long-term relationships with our clients, looking beyond the project and striving for constant progress. The second-order effect of our growth is yours.
facilities
Our facilities
Where we work
El Segundo Office
711 Hawaii Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
Redmond Office
14700 NE 95th Street
Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
CONTACT
Contact us
We’d love to learn about what you’re working on. Share a few details about your project using the form!
If you'd prefer to email or call us instead, reach us directly at connect@soeffects.com or (424) 290-0617.
CAREERS
Join our team
Our focus is on learning, support, and quality execution. We build knowledge, not short-term wins. There’s a role for you here—whether you’re a new grad or have years of experience.