Quick Answer

Yes, Daktronics hires individuals with felony convictions. As a world-leading manufacturer of electronic scoreboards, LED video displays, and digital signage systems headquartered in Brookings, South Dakota, Daktronics employs over 1,500 people at corporate headquarters with additional facilities in Sioux Falls, Redwood Falls (Minnesota), and international locations. Company operates under EEOC individualized assessment requirements, reviewing each case individually based on nature and recency of offense and relationship to job duties.

CRITICAL BARRIERS: Mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all positions; Safety-focused manufacturing environment; Federal contractor status may require additional compliance. Founded in 1968 by two South Dakota State University professors, Daktronics (NASDAQ: DAKT) creates displays seen at professional, college, and high school sporting events, Times Square, Olympic Games, and businesses worldwide.

Best entry points: Electronic Assembler ($16-$22/hr), Machine Operator ($17-$23/hr), Shipping/Receiving ($16-$20/hr) where technical skills and safety compliance valued. Clean, well-lit manufacturing environment with stable schedules and shift increments.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers in South Dakota Manufacturing

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Daktronics, assess these requirements:

• Pass Mandatory Drug Testing: Daktronics requires all candidates to submit to pre-employment drug screen. Manufacturing environment with electronic equipment, machinery, and safety protocols requires drug-free workplace. Failed drug test is disqualification. If currently using any substances, do not apply until completely clean.

  
  

• Assess Conviction Type Against Manufacturing Work:

  
  

  EEOC individualized assessment considers: Nature and seriousness of offense; Time elapsed since offense or sentence completion; Nature of job sought (manufacturing safety, inventory control, equipment access). Violence, theft, and drug offenses receive scrutiny but are not automatic bars.

  
  

• Physical Capability Required: Manufacturing positions require standing, lifting, repetitive motions, and work with equipment. Must be able to wear required PPE (safety glasses, safety shoes/boots, hearing protection, electrostatic discharge wear). Physical demands may preclude some applicants.

  
  

• Understand South Dakota Has No Ban-the-Box: South Dakota does not prohibit private employers from asking about criminal history on applications. Daktronics may inquire early in process. However, EEOC individualized assessment still required before adverse action.

  
  

• Consider Federal Contractor Status: As federal contractor, Daktronics must adhere to federal compliance standards. Some positions may have additional requirements. Government-related projects may have heightened scrutiny.

  
  

• Prepare Documentation: If conviction concerning, be ready to document rehabilitation: stable employment history, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, written explanation of changed circumstances.

Critical Regulatory Information

IMPORTANT: Daktronics operates as electronics manufacturer with focus on safety and federal compliance standards. Understanding these requirements helps Second Chance applicants navigate the hiring process.

Mandatory Drug Testing

• Daktronics requires all candidates to submit to pre-employment drug screen.

  
  

• Manufacturing environment involves electronic equipment, machinery, welding equipment, and safety-critical operations where impairment creates risks to employee and coworkers.

  
  

• Failed drug test results in disqualification. Company maintains drug-free workplace policy.

  
  

• Random testing may occur post-hire in safety-sensitive positions. If currently using any substances, wait until completely clean before applying.

  
  

EEOC Individualized Assessment

• Under Title VII of Civil Rights Act, Daktronics must conduct individualized assessment using Green Factors when criminal history potentially impacts employment decision:

  (1) Nature and seriousness of offense—how serious was the crime;

  (2) Time elapsed since offense or sentence completion—recency matters;

  (3) Nature of job sought—manufacturing safety, inventory control, equipment access, customer-facing field service.

  
  

• Company cannot automatically disqualify based on conviction alone—must evaluate each case individually considering circumstances, rehabilitation, and job relevance.

  
  

FCRA Adverse Action Process

• If background check reveals conviction leading to potential adverse action, Daktronics must comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act:

  (1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with copy of background report and summary of FCRA rights;

  (2) Allow minimum 5 business days for applicant to review, dispute inaccuracies, and submit mitigating documentation;

  (3) Issue final adverse action notice if ultimately denying employment. This creates opportunity to address concerns before final decision.

  
  

Federal Contractor Compliance

• Daktronics is highly focused on safety and must adhere to federal compliance standards as federal contractor.

  
  

• Some positions may require additional background verification or clearance for government-related projects.

  
  

• OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs) oversight may apply. Federal contractor status creates additional compliance layer beyond standard employment law.

  
  

South Dakota Employment Law

• South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers—Daktronics can ask about criminal history on applications or early in hiring process.

• Limited expungement available in South Dakota for certain offenses.

• FCRA limits apply to consumer reporting agency reports.

• Federal EEOC protections apply regardless of state law limitations.

Company Overview

Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAKT) is a world leader in designing, engineering, manufacturing, and servicing digital LED display technology and audio systems. Founded in 1968 by Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and Dr. Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, the company name is a portmanteau of "Dakota" and "electronics." The founders' original dream was to retain talented engineering students by providing viable, challenging work right in South Dakota rather than losing them to opportunities in major metropolitan areas—a community-focused mission the company continues today as the state's premier technology manufacturer. Company initially focused on electronic voting systems for state legislatures (first client was Utah's legislature), then pivoted to scoreboards when SDSU wrestling coach Warren Williamson asked them to devise a better scoring system for wrestling matches—launching what would become a world-leading sports display business.

Daktronics creates electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems, large screen video displays, digital billboards, dynamic message signs for highways and transportation, and professional audio/sound systems seen and heard worldwide. Products bring excitement to professional, college, and high school sporting events across every major league and thousands of schools; attract customers for businesses globally through retail digital signage; and provide critical direction and safety information for people as they travel, work, and play. Company has supplied displays for multiple Olympic Games (manufacturing displays that utilize branding from official timing sponsors like Omega), Times Square installations (including upgrading the famous "Zipper" news ticker in 1997 and installing the first LED video display for TDK in 2001), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (18 ProStar displays installed 1999), and major league stadiums nationwide. The 2004 installation at Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field) in Cleveland, Ohio was the largest video board in North America at the time of installation. Company's influence extends to professional sports rules—Daktronics has been credited with influencing NBA rule changes in the 2000s through their display technology capabilities.

Headquartered in Brookings, South Dakota (population approximately 24,000—a nationally recognized, award-winning community offering dynamic, safe, and family-friendly environment), Daktronics employs over 1,500 people at corporate headquarters with additional manufacturing and operations facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Redwood Falls, Minnesota. International operations include manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, China and Belgium, with comprehensive sales and service network spanning the globe including offices established in Germany (2003), Hong Kong and United Kingdom (2004), and Canada. Company has five manufacturing factories strategically positioned to serve customers worldwide, with each facility capable of producing products meeting specific regional requirements including EMI restrictions and other technical specifications that vary by country. In-house Lab Services testing facility measures image quality, tests performance, and stress-tests components to failure to discover vulnerabilities and improve products. Annual revenue approximately $754 million with quarterly revenue around $232 million.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: Brookings, SD; Employees: 1,500+ at HQ;

• Founded: 1968 by SDSU professors; NASDAQ: DAKT;

• Revenue: ~$754 million;

• Other Facilities: Sioux Falls SD, Redwood Falls MN, Shanghai, Belgium;

• Products: LED video displays, scoreboards, digital billboards, audio systems, dynamic message signs;

• Core Values: Honest, Helpful, Humble; Ranked #26 Best Companies to Work For in South Dakota.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Daktronics hiring shaped by manufacturing safety requirements and EEOC individualized assessment. Company reviews each applicant individually decision hinges on nature and recency of offense and relationship to specific job duties, not blanket criminal history policies. Equal opportunity employer providing consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Company actively seeks qualified applicants and makes accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Manufacturing positions focus on whether candidate can safely and reliably perform the work—demonstrated ability and positive attitude matter more than distant history.

Manufacturing employer with technical focus creates opportunities for skilled and trainable workers. Positions range from entry-level assembly to skilled technical roles (welding, machine operation) to professional engineering and field service. Company culture emphasizes core values of "Honest, Helpful, Humble" and commitment to community engagement. Stable schedules with no rotating shifts and clean, well-lit work environment. Shift increments ($2-$6/hour additional) reward night and weekend schedules.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Daktronics job postings. Base pay plus skill and shift increments available. Brookings, SD location.

Career Path Examples

Production Track: Electronic Assembler ($16-$22/hr base pay plus shift increments of $2/hr night or $4-6/hr weekend, assembly of LED display components including circuit boards, display modules, and electronic systems with comprehensive training provided for new employees) → Experienced Assembler/Lead Worker ($18-$25/hr, mentoring new team members, quality focus, troubleshooting, 1-2 years experience) → Machine Operator ($17-$23/hr, operating electronic assembly equipment, SMT machines, testing equipment) → Process Technician (advanced production processes, quality systems, training development) → Manufacturing Supervisor ($55K-$75K annually, team leadership, production scheduling, safety oversight, performance management).

Timeline: 4-7 years for full progression depending on performance, skill development, and opportunities. Manufacturing employer rewards reliability, attendance, technical skill development, and demonstrated leadership ability.

Technical Track: Machine Operator/Assembler (entry-level understanding production equipment and processes) → Machine Service Technician ($20-$28/hr plus shift increments, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance programs, weekend day options available with $4-6/hr additional pay) → Factory Maintenance Technician ($22-$30/hr plus increments, facility systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building systems, weekend Fri-Sun 6a-6p schedule available) → Senior Technician/Maintenance Specialist (advanced troubleshooting, specialized systems, project work, training others) → Maintenance Supervisor (department leadership, maintenance planning, vendor management, capital projects).

Timeline: 5-8 years for technical career progression. Requires developing mechanical, electrical, PLC, and diagnostic skills through combination of on-the-job training and technical education. Company values technical expertise and provides training opportunities for skill development.

Background Check Process

Daktronics Screening Process: Application submission through daktronics.com/jobs (South Dakota allows criminal history questions); Interview process; Conditional offer; Drug testing (mandatory pre-employment screen); Background check through third-party agency (criminal history, employment verification). EEOC individualized assessment if conviction identified—nature of offense, time elapsed, job relevance considered. FCRA adverse action process if potential denial based on background. Federal contractor compliance verification for applicable positions.

Timeline: Typically 1-3 weeks from conditional offer for standard manufacturing positions.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: Failed drug test; Dishonesty during application process.

  
  

• High Risk (Individual Review): Recent violent crimes—workplace safety concerns; Theft from manufacturing/warehouse—inventory access; Drug trafficking—drug-free workplace; Safety violations in prior manufacturing work.

  
  

• Evaluated Favorably: Old convictions (7+ years) with clean record; Non-violent offenses unrelated to manufacturing; Drug possession (not trafficking) with demonstrated sobriety; Single incidents with strong rehabilitation evidence; Technical skills and relevant experience.

Your Rights as Applicant

• EEOC: Individualized assessment required; Cannot deny solely on conviction without considering Green Factors (nature, time elapsed, job relevance).

  
  

• FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report copy; Minimum 5 business days to dispute or provide mitigating information; Final adverse action notice if denied.

  
  

• South Dakota: No ban-the-box for private employers; Limited expungement available; Federal protections still apply.

  
  

• Adverse Action Period: If you receive pre-adverse action notice, utilize the opportunity to submit rehabilitation documentation before final decision.

Application Strategy

1. Be Completely Drug-Free: Pre-employment drug screen is mandatory hurdle. If currently using substances, wait until clean before applying. Manufacturing safety requires drug-free workplace.

   
   

2. Focus on Technical Skills and Safety: In interview, emphasize any experience with welding, machining, electronic assembly, manufacturing equipment, inventory management. Highlight safety awareness and PPE compliance.

   
   

3. Be Truthful: South Dakota allows criminal history questions. Do not lie on application or during interview. Dishonesty discovered is worse than conviction. Prepare honest, concise explanation.

   
   

4. Document Rehabilitation: If conviction concerning, prepare: stable employment history, treatment completion certificates, character references, community involvement, written explanation of changed circumstances.

   
   

5. Target Entry-Level Manufacturing: Assembler, Machine Operator, Shipping/Receiving positions most accessible. Training provided. Prove reliability then advance internally.

   
   

6. Demonstrate Physical Capability: Manufacturing requires standing, lifting, equipment operation. Show readiness to perform physical work and wear required PPE.

   
   

7. Consider Shift Options: Night and weekend shifts offer significant pay increments ($2-$6/hr extra). May have different hiring dynamics than day shifts.

   
   

8. Highlight Core Values Alignment: Daktronics emphasizes "Honest, Helpful, Humble." Demonstrate these qualities throughout application process.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Drug Test is Primary Barrier: For manufacturing positions, failed drug test disqualifies more applicants than criminal history. Pass the test and overcome the biggest hurdle.

   
   

2. Shift Increments Add Up: Night shifts add $2/hr, weekend shifts add $4-6/hr. Weekend day schedule (Fri-Sun 6a-6p) significantly boosts earnings while creating stable 3-day work week.

   
   

3. Clean Work Environment: Unlike heavy industrial manufacturing, Daktronics offers clean, well-lit, organized environment. Electronics assembly is precision work, not dirty factory conditions.

   
   

4. Stable Schedules: No rotating shifts means predictable work-life balance. Consistency valued by company and employees alike.

   
   

5. Small-Town Employer Advantage: Brookings (population ~24,000) has limited labor pool. Quality workers valued regardless of background if essential requirements met.

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: Competitive base pay plus skill increments; Shift differentials ($2-$6/hr for nights/weekends); Stable schedules with no rotating shifts.

  
  

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage for eligible employees; Benefit eligibility may vary by employment status.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) or retirement savings options; Competitive benefits package.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays; Based on tenure and position.

  
  

• Work Environment: Clean, safe, organized, well-lit manufacturing facility; Consistent schedules; Modern equipment and technology.

  
  

• Community: Company matches employee donations to non-profits; Community engagement valued; Award-winning Brookings community; NAIA Scholar-Athlete program sponsor.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Clean work environment; Stable schedules (no rotating shifts); Shift pay increments; World-leading products seen globally; Community-focused company; Training provided; Award-winning workplace (#26 in South Dakota); Small-town quality of life; Innovation culture.

Cons: Mandatory drug testing; Rural location (Brookings); Lower base pay compared to some competitors; Manufacturing physical demands; Weather in South Dakota; Limited advancement in small organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Daktronics hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Daktronics hires individuals with felony convictions. Company reviews each case individually using EEOC-required individualized assessment. Decision hinges on nature and recency of offense and relationship to job duties. Manufacturing positions focus on safety compliance, reliability, and ability to perform work—not blanket criminal history exclusions. Primary barrier is mandatory drug testing, not criminal history for most positions. Old convictions with rehabilitation evidence evaluated favorably.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Daktronics?

   Process includes: Application submission (South Dakota allows criminal history questions); Interview; Conditional offer; Mandatory pre-employment drug testing; Criminal background check through third-party agency; Employment verification. If criminal history identified, EEOC individualized assessment conducted considering nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. FCRA adverse action process applies if potential denial—pre-adverse notice, 5 days to respond, final decision. Federal contractor compliance may add verification for some positions.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go—what is the lookback period?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history review under standard FCRA guidelines. EEOC individualized assessment considers time elapsed as positive factor—older convictions evaluated more favorably than recent ones. Clean record since conviction demonstrates rehabilitation. Manufacturing positions focus on recent behavior patterns affecting workplace safety and reliability rather than ancient history.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Daktronics?

   Higher scrutiny: Violence (workplace safety with equipment and coworkers); Theft from manufacturing/warehouse (inventory access concerns); Drug trafficking (drug-free workplace); Safety violations in prior industrial work. Individual review: Old convictions with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to manufacturing; Drug possession with sobriety. Automatic bar: Failed drug test—this disqualifies more applicants than criminal history.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Daktronics for applicants with a record?

   Electronic Assembler ($16-$22/hr + shift increments) most accessible—LED display assembly with training provided, no prior experience required. Machine Operator ($17-$23/hr) operates assembly equipment. Inventory/Receiving Clerk ($16-$20/hr) and Shipping/Crater ($16-$21/hr) are warehouse/logistics roles. All offer stable schedules, clean environment, and shift pay increments. Start here and advance internally.

   
   

6. Does Daktronics drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Manufacturing environment with electronic equipment and safety requirements demands drug-free workplace. Standard panel testing for common substances. Failed test is automatic disqualification—no exceptions. Random testing may occur post-hire in safety-sensitive roles. Must be completely clean before applying.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Daktronics ask about criminal history?

   South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers—Daktronics can ask about criminal history on application or at any point during hiring process. Typically addressed during application/interview phase. Background check conducted after conditional offer. Be prepared to discuss honestly whenever asked. Dishonesty is worse than the conviction itself.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Daktronics if they have a felony?

   Yes, internal advancement possible. Path: Assembler/Operator → Lead/Senior positions → Process Technician → Manufacturing Supervisor. Criminal history already known from initial hiring—positive employment record since then supports advancement. Key factors: proven reliability, attendance, skill development, leadership qualities, safety record. Many supervisors started in entry-level manufacturing positions.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   Relatively quick for manufacturing positions—typically 1-3 weeks from conditional offer to start. Drug testing completed promptly. Background check processing time varies. Manufacturing positions often start within 1-2 weeks for qualified candidates passing all requirements. Company has ongoing hiring needs for production positions.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Daktronics?

    Be completely drug-free before applying (mandatory testing); Be truthful about criminal history; Emphasize technical skills, safety awareness, manufacturing experience; Demonstrate physical capability for production work; Consider night/weekend shifts (higher pay, possibly different hiring dynamics); Highlight alignment with core values (Honest, Helpful, Humble); Document rehabilitation if conviction is concerning; Target entry-level Assembler or Operator positions initially.

Alternative Second Chance Employers in South Dakota Manufacturing

Conclusion

Daktronics offers legitimate Second Chance opportunity in electronics manufacturing with accessible entry-level positions, training provided, clean work environment, and stable schedules. As world leader in LED display technology employing over 1,500 people at Brookings headquarters, company operates under EEOC individualized assessment reviewing each case based on offense nature, time elapsed, and job relevance not blanket exclusions.

Critical first step: Pass mandatory drug test. Pre-employment drug screening required for all positions with absolutely no exceptions manufacturing environment with electronic equipment, machinery, and safety protocols requires drug-free workplace to protect all employees. Failed drug test is automatic disqualification regardless of qualifications, experience, or criminal history status. If currently using any substances including marijuana (which remains illegal in South Dakota), wait until completely clean before applying. Drug testing is the single biggest barrier for otherwise qualified manufacturing candidates more applicants fail drug screening than are rejected for criminal history.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Electronic Assembler ($16-$22/hr base pay plus shift increments ranging from $2/hr for night shift to $4-6/hr for weekend shifts) offers most accessible entry with comprehensive on-the-job training provided, clean and well-lit work environment, and stable schedule without rotating shifts. Assembly work involves building LED display components, circuit boards, and electronic modules that become the scoreboards and video displays seen at stadiums and venues worldwide. Shipping/Crater, Inventory/Receiving Clerk, and Machine Operator positions similarly accessible at comparable pay with training provided. Shift pay increments significantly boost earnings weekend day schedule (Friday through Sunday, 6am-6pm) can add $4-6/hr to base pay while providing 4-day weekends. Prove reliability, attendance, and skill development then advance internally to higher-paying technical positions, skilled trades like welding or painting, and eventually supervisory roles where criminal history already known and positive employment record established.

Key success factors: Pass drug test (primary barrier); Be truthful about criminal history; Emphasize technical skills and safety awareness; Demonstrate physical capability; Consider night/weekend shifts for higher pay; Align with company core values (Honest, Helpful, Humble); Document rehabilitation if needed; Target entry-level positions initially.

Understanding the opportunity: Daktronics products are seen by millions of people daily at professional sports venues across major leagues, college stadiums, high school athletic facilities, Times Square in New York City (including the famous "Zipper" news ticker sign), Olympic Games venues, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, digital billboards along highways, and businesses worldwide meaningful work creating world-leading technology that entertains, informs, and directs people as they travel, work, and play. Small-town Brookings location (population approximately 24,000) creates family-friendly community environment while limited local labor pool means quality workers valued regardless of background if essential requirements met. Company community focus includes matching employee charitable donations and sponsoring NAIA scholar-athlete programs. Award-winning workplace culture (#26 Best Companies to Work For in South Dakota) creates supportive environment emphasizing core values of Honest, Helpful, and Humble. Old convictions with clean record since offense receive favorable consideration under EEOC individualized assessment. Electronics manufacturing career provides stable income, skill development, clean work environment, and advancement opportunities not available in many industries.

Apply Now at daktronics.com/jobs or contact Human Resources at recruiter@daktronics.com

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Daktronics specific policies may vary. Drug testing policies strictly enforced. South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers. Federal contractor requirements may apply to some positions. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by position, shift, skill level, and experience. Shift increments based on Brookings, SD location. Physical demands may preclude some applicants. Individual outcomes depend on criminal history specifics, drug test results, qualifications, position requirements. Daktronics name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.