Q&A: Recruitment Trends in Engineering

Al Ruiz is a senior professional recruitment practice lead at Actalent, a global engineering/sciences services and talent solutions firm.

Ruiz has helped companies acquire design and mechanical engineering talent for more than 17 years. As a career advocate for engineers and working on the staffing side of the business, Ruiz is the ideal candidate to answer questions about trends in current hiring practices. In the following Q&A, he offers invaluable tips on how to acquire the skills needed to stay gainfully employed amidst rapid tech innovations.

Machine Design: What is needed for manufacturing/engineering companies to attract a new generation of leadership?

Al Ruiz: Investments in technology are key. Next generation leaders are evaluating how companies are keeping pace with technological advancements and want to have access to the newest and most exciting tools.

Another critical ingredient is mentorship. No one wants to be thrown into the deep end and have to figure out everything by themselves. Having someone you can lean on to show you the ropes and offer advice can help attract and retain the best talent.

Flexibility has also become important as so many roles can be done virtually. Leaders want to see remote options and flexible schedules at their new companies, especially if they’re trying to balance work with family life.

MD: Are you observing more internal promotions at organizations, or are companies looking externally for suitable candidates?

AR: Many companies look to promote internally, because these candidates already have knowledge about the company, the industry and the product line. Plus, management knows they already fit with the culture and have relationships with their colleagues.

However, there are still plenty of cases where a company might need to make a strategic hire outside the organization if there isn’t an internal option with the right skillset. This is especially true when it comes to new technologies. Bringing in a new person who is more experienced can be a worthwhile investment.

MD: What specific engineering skills and certifications are in demand for leadership roles in advanced manufacturing and automation?

AR: Lean manufacturing and six sigma skills are in high demand as companies look for ways to reduce waste and drive continuous improvements. Certified project management professionals who can handle large-scale programs—think millions of dollars in equipment and extensive automation—are also increasingly sought after.

MD: What are the top five in-demand engineering roles? What are the skills needed and how are job seekers acquiring the skills to keep pace with technology advancements?

AR: The five most in-demand types of engineers at the moment are control engineers, robotics engineers, manufacturing engineers, electrical engineers and software engineers.

To acquire new skills or specialize in in-demand areas, many engineers are pursuing certifications or trainings, especially if their company sponsors it. It’s helpful to get exposure to different fields and skillsets, especially as the pace of innovation accelerates.

MD: Which advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies are driving demand for specialized engineering talent?

AR: Electric vehicles, with their electrification and battery technology demands, are driving a need for specialized talent. More broadly, as companies are looking for ways to save money through automation, engineers with those skillsets are highly sought after. Consider how much automation every Amazon warehouse around the country has, for example, and you can see why there’s a need for automation skills.

MD: BONUS: Is there any other query/talking point that would serve our engineering audiences in the current employment landscape?

AR: Even for roles that are in high demand, getting the job is a very different skillset from doing the job. Job searching can be a lonely and stressful experience. Having people in your corner to give you a leg up and offer support—whether that’s mentors or friends or recruiters—can make a big difference. The more others can connect you in the industry, get your resume out there and help you prepare for the hiring process, the better your chances.

Also, engineers looking to develop new skillsets or deepen their experience should consider contract work. It’s a great way to get exposure to new technologies or projects that are outside your wheelhouse while also getting your foot in the door with companies for future job opportunities.

Editor’s Note: Machine Design’s WISE (Workers in Science and Engineering) hub compiles our coverage of workplace issues affecting the engineering field, in addition to contributions from equity seeking groups and subject matter experts within various subdisciplines.