Hiring the right manufacturing engineers is critical for maintaining production efficiency and meeting delivery deadlines. Without a clear hiring process, businesses often struggle to find qualified candidates quickly. This guide outlines how to successfully hire manufacturing engineers and avoid common pitfalls.
Why Is Hiring Manufacturing Engineers Challenging?
Manufacturing engineers must balance design, process improvement, and production management. They need technical skills in CAD software, lean manufacturing, and quality control systems. Finding candidates with this mix of skills can take longer than hiring for general roles.
Recent industry reports show the average time-to-hire for manufacturing engineers is 47 days, compared to 36 days for non-specialist roles. A structured hiring approach helps reduce this time.
What Steps Should You Take to Hire Manufacturing Engineers?
1. Define the Role Clearly
Before advertising the position, define exactly what you need. Include key responsibilities, required technical skills, and experience levels.
For example, if you are recruiting for a production engineer to improve line efficiency, include experience with Six Sigma methodologies and production line optimisation.
A detailed job description helps attract candidates who match your needs, reducing time spent filtering applications.
2. Target the Right Talent Pools
Posting a job ad is not enough. To find manufacturing engineers, focus on the platforms they use. Sites like LinkedIn, Engineering Jobs, and industry-specific forums work well.
Manufacturing recruitment experts often have access to pre-screened candidate databases and can help you reach passive candidates who are not actively job hunting.
3. Screen for Technical and Practical Skills
Technical tests and practical assessments are important. Manufacturing engineers must show both theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it.
Include assessments of CAD software skills or lean process improvement knowledge. Ask candidates to describe past projects and the outcomes they achieved. This gives insight into their practical problem-solving abilities.
4. Speed Up the Hiring Process
Good manufacturing engineers are in high demand. Delays can mean losing candidates to competitors.
Move quickly through interview rounds. Schedule interviews within a week of application and aim to make offers within two weeks of the final interview. Fast processes show candidates you are serious and organised.
How Do You Find the Right Manufacturing Engineers?
Work with Manufacturing Recruitment Experts
Partnering with a recruitment agency that specialises in manufacturing roles can save time and improve outcomes. These agencies understand the skills you need and have connections with qualified candidates.
For example, if you are trying to recruit production engineers with experience in food manufacturing, a specialist will know where to find candidates with HACCP certification and relevant industry knowledge.
Use Referrals and Networks
Ask your existing engineers for referrals. Good engineers often know others in the industry who are open to new opportunities.
LinkedIn is a useful tool for building candidate networks. Posting in relevant groups and running targeted searches helps you reach engineers who may not respond to job ads.
Optimise Your Employer Brand
Candidates look beyond salary. They want to know about your company’s culture, training opportunities, and technology.
Make sure your website and social media show what it is like to work at your company. Share stories about engineering projects, innovation, and career development.
What Should You Include in a Manufacturing Engineer Job Offer?
- Competitive salary based on market rates
- Clear career development paths
- Opportunities for training and certification
- Details on technology and tools available
- A supportive work environment
According to recent data, companies that highlight career growth in their offers see a 34% higher acceptance rate.
FAQs About Hiring Manufacturing Engineers
Q: What qualifications should manufacturing engineers have?
A: Common qualifications include a degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.
Q: How long does it take to find a good manufacturing engineer?
A: On average, it takes 47 days, but working with a specialist recruitment partner can speed up the process.
Q: Where can I find manufacturing engineers?
A: LinkedIn, industry-specific job boards, and recruitment agencies specialising in manufacturing roles are good starting points.
Q: What skills should I look for in a production engineer?
A: Key skills include process improvement, quality control, CAD software proficiency, and hands-on production management experience.
Key Takeaways
- Define the manufacturing engineer role clearly before hiring.
- Target industry-specific job platforms and networks.
- Screen candidates for both technical knowledge and practical experience.
- Move quickly through the hiring process to secure top talent.
- Partner with manufacturing recruitment experts to improve hiring success.
Need Help Finding Manufacturing Engineers?
If you are looking to hire manufacturing engineers or recruit production engineers quickly and efficiently, speak to our manufacturing recruitment experts today. We connect businesses with skilled professionals ready to drive production forward.
Book Your Free Consultation with our team or call us directly on 02920100790
