An engineer who carries a project technically, guards the budget and brings a team along rarely applies through a job board. AltusConnect searches for project, design, process and quality engineers for machine builders, engineering firms, process companies and construction. We look past the degree and the software: how does someone tackle a technical problem, and how do they work with others?
Project engineers who follow an installation from design to handover, quality engineers who run a quality system and its audits, and automation engineers who program and commission lines. Design, R&D and site engineers belong to this specialism as well.
Why experienced engineers are scarce
VDAB lists the engineering project manager, the industrial automation designer and the quality control lead as bottleneck professions: there are too few candidates, and those available often lack the required experience or training. On top of that, the mix of technology, budget and people only develops after several years. Engineering firms and integrators attract those profiles with varied projects.
How we approach engineers
We search by the type of project and the technology you work with, not by job title. That way we approach engineers at a consultancy who want to settle on one site, or the reverse, people who want more variety. We interview every candidate at length ourselves before you see a name, and only with their consent.
The question. The role combined requirements that rarely come together. The client was receiving profiles from all sides that looked right on paper but fell through in every interview. That cost time and trust.
What we did. A thorough intake, down to the installations and the management style, followed by strict screening. We only introduced candidates we had interviewed at length ourselves and who matched every hard requirement.
The result. Fewer profiles than the client was used to, but the right ones: the role is filled and the stream of unsuitable CVs has stopped.
Technical service, across Belgium
Field service engineer electrical: honest about the budget
The question. An engineer with electrical expertise travelling across Belgium. After the intake our assessment was that the requested profile could not be found for the salary on offer. The hiring manager did not want to hear that at first.
What we did. We did not leave it at an opinion. We introduced several candidates who matched the experience exactly and showed what they expected. Then, together, we adjusted the search towards an eager junior who can grow into the role.
The result. The role is filled with a profile that fits the budget, and the client now knows what the market asks for the experienced variant.
Real assignments, anonymised. We name no clients and no figures that are not ours.
Yes. Sometimes an experienced profile cannot be found within the planned salary, and we say so after the intake. In one of our assignments we adjusted the search together with the client towards an eager junior who could grow into the role.
Can you find an engineer on a freelance basis?
Yes. Besides permanent hires we also work on freelance assignments and project sourcing, which often suits engineering projects with a clear end. We do not do temporary agency work.
What does a project engineer expect when moving?
A mandate and budget to really decide, projects with visible results, and a view of a next step towards project management. A company car is often on the wish list too.
Do you also recruit engineers for construction?
Yes, for installation and construction companies we look for project engineers, work planners and site managers, among others. In those roles the region and the travel to sites weigh heavily in a candidate's choice.