F5 Networks

We're hard-pressed to find another group with such intense tech geek pride, even in tech-heavy Seattle. Quite a few employees of F5, which helps other organizations create IT infrastructures, boasted the fact that if they're in need of some obscure electronic part, there's no doubt someone in the building has one sitting around. They take great pride in the systems that they build -- or as they like to refer to them, their "black boxes with wires sticking out the back." And they're thrilled with the sense of security that comes from working for a company that stays profitable.

There's a solid family-oriented atmosphere in their waterfront office building, which overlooks Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains -- and a "work hard, play hard" balance that's important in this industry. One happy employee is glad he'd never get sent out of town during a child's birthday, while another raves, "It's like working for your Uncle John, but they pay better." (F5 also won the category for "Most Unusual Perks.")

Other top finalists*

• AdaQuest
• Astronics AES
• Cobalt
• Concur
• Expedia
• ExtraHop Networks
• Paperless Business Systems
• Silicon Mechanics
• WhitePages

*Listed in alphabetical order