Engineering services is quickly becoming a preferred method for finding talent solutions. As a contract engineer, it’s important to know how engineering services work and how you can use it to leverage your own opportunities. Triple Crown’s VP of Recruiting – Engineering Services, Ronnie Maksymowski, explains how engineering services works, how it differs from traditional contract roles and offers advice on choosing the best option for your circumstance.
Project Pathways in Engineering Services Vs. Traditional Contracts
A common question that engineers ask is what makes Engineering Services and Staff Augmentation Different? A traditional contract involves filling one to a few positions in which the hiring manager oversees the entire hiring process to help fill a short-term skills gap. An engineering services project involves filling multiple roles while an outside subject matter expert handles the hiring, talent management, and ensures that the project is delivered on time. While on assignment, engineering services projects offer far more autonomy and collaboration than traditional contracts. Additionally, they will seek input from their team, welcoming suggestions, and considering new ideas. A traditional contract focuses more on individual performance and executing with the tools and resource that are already in place.
Navigating Engineering Services
From the client perspective, here is more insight on how these projects are navigated. Engineering services projects provide engineering solutions to meet the demands of highly specialized projects. These projects are managed by an outside subject matter expert, who oversees the project, making sure that deadlines are met, and that quality work is being produced. With these types of projects, delivering high levels of customer service is necessary. At Triple Crown, we pride ourselves on offering over 6,000 pre-vetted engineers that we trust and have worked with.
Something worth noting, is that with an engineering services project it can be challenging to get off the ground. Before a project can get started, a Statement of Work (SOW) amongst other paperwork must be signed and executed. This process can be lengthy and can delay the start date of the project. It’s important to stay patient throughout this process and give the projects the time they need to ramp up. At Triple Crown, we are experts in handling this type of paperwork, allowing us to create consistent opportunities with the nation’s top clients.
Which Opportunity Best Fits your Needs?
When choosing between engineering services and traditional contract roles, skillset doesn’t matter. Engineering services are better suited for engineers that enjoy autonomy and being adaptive in a dynamic work environment. Engineers that excel on engineering services projects enjoy working as a team and bringing new ideas to the table. Engineers who thrive in this setting also tend to be more extroverted. A traditional contract is a great option for engineers that want clear and defined project end dates. With traditional contracts, there are less unknowns. The hiring manager has a clear vision of how they want the project to be completed within a defined window of time. A major difference is the duration of the assignment. Traditional contract roles always have a defined end date, whereas engineering services opportunities can extend indefinitely.
According to Ronnie, another great way to decide between engineering services vs. traditional contract opportunities is by identifying personal motivators. Are you passionate about a specific project? Does a certain role offer more compensation? Do you prefer on-site vs remote work? These are a few questions that you can ask yourself when deciding which option is best for you.
Conclusion
With engineering services becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the process. Engineering services provide an opportunity to join an engineering team led by a subject matter expert, fostering a highly collaborative environment. A standard contract is more traditional, offering opportunities to work under a hiring manager with set and defined project end dates. When choosing between traditional contracts and engineering services ask yourself, “what is best for you?” Rank your priorities and select your opportunities accordingly. To talk more about your career options, reach out to us at jobs@tripleco.com. We can help you find your next opportunity!