Your engineering recruiters

Are you the manager of an engineering department or an HR professional responsible for supporting engineering? Are you stymied by the dearth of readily available engineering talent that you desperately need to meet goals and objectives? If that’s you, then it’s time to speak with the professional engineering recruiters at CalTek. We are the results-oriented recruiting company specializing in engineering talent. Our extensive industry contacts and exceptional recruiting resources allow us to quickly locate the perfect mix of experience and skill. We work with temporary or temporary to hire assignments. Contact us now!

Case Study

Problem

An engineering firm secured a time sensitive Department of Defense (DOD) contract that required technical personnel with a specific skill set. It quickly became evident that their internal staffing was lacking experience in a specific and critically important element. CalTek was contacted and we accepted the recruiting challenge.

Solution

CalTek utilized its state of the art advanced artificial intelligence recruitment sourcing software to locate the best candidate possessing experience working with telemetry and Kalman filtering algorithms. Our professional engineering recruiter presented the opportunity and the candidate agreed to an interview.

Outcome

The client was delighted with the candidate who became a crucial team member and contributed significantly to successfully completing the project on time.

Typical roles we fill

  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Architects
  • Electronics Engineers
  • Hardware Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Controls Engineers
  • Chemical Engineers
  • R&D (Research & Development)
  • Product Development Engineers
  • RF / Microwave / Antenna Engineers

While CalTek’s extensive technical resume database and advanced search software provide a leg up in identifying talent, the real key to our record of perfect matches is our staff of recruiters. Experienced and passionate about their specialties, our recruiters not only have a thorough knowledge of the skill required, but also can present the opportunity to the candidate in a way that piques their interest, an important element in this tight engineering labor market. Trust the staffing firm experts at CalTek to deliver you results.

Testimonial

There are several staffing agencies out there to choose from, but I continue to work with CalTek Staffing because they consistently locate the engineers and designers we need on such short notice.

Terrance Chambliss | Recruiter | Parsons

Frequently asked questions about engineering recruitment

What is your engineering recruitment process and how long does it typically take?

CalTek utilizes a well-defined hiring strategy with a demonstrated history of providing reliable engineering and technical talent to our clients. This methodical hiring process, which typically spans one week, is dedicated to pinpointing the specific technical expertise you’re looking for. It encompasses four key stages, all with the shared goal of guaranteeing that the job candidates we present to you meet the highest standards of quality:

  1. Client Consultation: At CalTek, we recognize that understanding your company’s unique needs is paramount. Our initial step involves in-depth discussions and inquiries to gain a comprehensive understanding of your organization. We believe this knowledge is the foundation for a successful partnership.
  2. Job Specification: We can’t find the right candidates without a clear understanding of your job requirements. Our recruiters will work closely with you to gather detailed information about your job openings. This information is crucial in identifying candidates who possess the precise qualifications and experience you seek.
  3. Recruitment Expertise: Recruitment is our specialty, and we take pride in it. Our seasoned recruiters, in conjunction with CalTek’s extensive database of job applicant resumes and state-of-the-art AI powered search tools create a potent synergy. We are confident that we will uncover the ideal candidate, even in the most competitive talent landscapes.
  4. Comprehensive Screening: Every job applicant we present to our clients undergoes rigorous screening and reference checks. This final phase in the CalTek hiring process guarantees that the candidates we recommend are truly the best fit for your job openings.

Our methodology is designed to save you time and resources while ensuring that you receive candidates who meet your precise needs. CalTek is committed to delivering top-tier engineering and technical talent that you can rely on.

How do you screen and assess engineering candidates?

CalTek Staffing plays a critical role in the hiring process, serving as intermediaries between job seekers and employers. To ensure we present the best candidates to our clients, we employ various screening and assessment methods. Here’s an overview of how we screen and assess candidates:

  1. Resume Review: The first step in candidate assessment is reviewing resumes. We analyze the candidate’s work history, skills, and qualifications to ensure they meet the client’s job requirements.
  2. Initial Interviews: We will conduct initial interviews with candidates, either in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. During these interviews, we will assess a candidate’s communication skills, experience, and motivation.
  3. Reference Checks: We will contact references provided by candidates to verify their work history, performance, and qualifications. This step helps in confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
  4. Comprehensive Background Checks: If required by the client, we will conduct thorough background checks, encompassing criminal history checks, including felonies and misdemeanors, Social Security number (SS#) verification, address history, a national sex offender registry search, and an extensive national criminal search. These checks are integral in confirming that candidates not only align with the client’s specifications but also comply with legal standards.
  5. Drug Testing: If required by the client, candidates will undergo drug testing to ensure they meet specific industry or company requirements.
  6. Legal Compliance: We will ensure that candidates are legally eligible to work in the country and that all employment laws are followed throughout the hiring process.
  7. Job Specific Assessments: Depending on the role, candidates may be asked to complete job-specific assessments or simulations to evaluate their capabilities in a practical context.
  8. Cultural Fit Assessment: We will assess a candidate’s fit with the company culture, including values, work environment, and team dynamics, to ensure they are a good match for the client’s organization. 
  9. Client-Specific Assessments: We will work closely with clients to develop and administer custom assessments based on the client’s unique job requirements.

The combination of these assessment methods helps CalTek identify the best-fit candidates for our clients, saving both time and resources in the hiring process. The specific assessments used can vary based on the industry, job role, and the preferences of our clients.

What does your candidate sourcing strategy look like in the engineering space?

A typical sourcing strategy, especially in the context of recruitment, involves a  systematic approach to identifying and attracting potential candidates for job openings. The sourcing channels that we utilize are as follows:

Sourcing Channels:

  • Job Boards: Post the job opening on relevant job boards and company career websites.
  • Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to share job postings and engage with potential candidates.
  • Networking: Leverage professional networks, industry events, and employee referrals to identify candidates.
  • Recruitment Agencies: Partner with recruitment agencies to tap into their candidate databases and expertise.
  • University and College Partnerships: Establish connections with educational institutions for entry-level positions.
  • Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to the industry to identify passive candidates.
  • Direct Outreach: Reach out to potential candidates directly through email, InMail, or other communication channels.
  • Internal Talent Pools: Utilize your organization’s existing talent database and previous applicants.

How do you measure the quality of your hire for engineering roles?

  1. Job Performance Metrics:
  • Performance Reviews: Regular performance evaluations by the client, manager, or supervisor can provide feedback on the candidate’s job performance.
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Tracking specific KPIs related to the candidate’s role can help assess their contributions to the organization.
  1. Retention Rates:
  • Tracking how long a candidate remains in the position can be a good indicator of whether they are a good fit for the company.
  1. Feedback Surveys:
  • Collecting feedback from both the client and the candidate about their experience with the placement and their satisfaction with the match can provide valuable insights.
  1. Time-to-Fill:
  • The time it takes to fill a position can be an excellent indicator of how well the agency understands the client’s needs and how efficiently they can source qualified candidates.
  1. Candidate Fit:
  • Assessing whether the candidate is a cultural fit for our client’s organization is crucial. This can involve evaluating their values, work style, and compatibility with the team.
  1. Skill Match:
  • Comparing the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience to the job requirements is a fundamental measure of quality.
  1. Reference Checks:
  • Conducting reference checks with the candidate’s previous employers can provide valuable insights into their past performance and reliability.
  1. Client Satisfaction:
  • Gauging our client’s overall satisfaction with the placement, communication with the agency, and the agency’s ability to meet their needs.
  1. Candidate Satisfaction:
  • Evaluating the candidate’s satisfaction with the placement and monitoring their experience in the new role.
  1. Long-Term Success:
  • Monitoring the candidate’s career progression within the client’s organization can be an indicator of a successful placement.
  1. Benchmarking:
  • Comparing the performance and tenure of candidates placed by the staffing agency to industry benchmarks can help assess our effectiveness.
  1. Continuous Improvement:
  • Collecting feedback from clients, candidates, and internal staff to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to our in-house processes.

CalTek uses a combination of these metrics and methods to evaluate the quality of our placements or hires. The specific metrics chosen vary depending on the industry as well as the type of positions being filled. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that both clients and candidates are satisfied with the placement and that it meets our client’s staffing needs effectively.

What is your one year retention rate for new hires in the engineering industry?

Our retention rate for permanent placements is 91%. For temporary or contract placements, the retention rate is lower due to the nature of the positions, but we still aim to maximize the tenure of our candidates.

Ultimately, the key is to continually monitor retention rates, analyze the reasons behind turnover, and work with clients to make improvements where necessary. The goal is to provide value to our clients by helping them retain quality talent for as long as possible, ultimately contributing to their success.

How long does it take to find good hires?

Utilizing a range of high-quality recruitment tools and resources, in conjunction with the expertise of CalTek Staffing’s skilled and experienced recruiters, we possess the capacity to source and present qualified and seasoned tech professionals to our clients for a wide range of job openings within a 72-hour timeframe. The speed of our placements is typically contingent upon our clients’ urgency to fill positions and initiate the onboarding process.

How do you use data to measure your recruiting outcomes for hires?

CalTek uses data-driven approaches to measure recruiting outcomes of our placements. By collecting and analyzing various metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), we are able to assess the effectiveness of our recruitment processes and make data-informed decisions for continuous improvement purposes

What differentiates your engineering recruiting practice from your competitors?

CalTek’s position at the pinnacle of the fiercely competitive engineering industry is underpinned by a range of factors, including our industry expertise, expansive networks, client-focused ethos, operational efficiency, and unwavering dedication to providing top-tier candidates. However, the linchpin of our success lies in the exceptional experience and expertise of our seasoned recruitment team.

Why do clients enjoy working with your recruiting experts?

Clients enjoy working with CalTek’s recruiting experts for several reasons. However, the ultimate factor boils down to our specialized expertise, enabling us to streamline the hiring process and notably truncate the time required to fill our clients’ job vacancies.

How do you ensure that the candidate you recommend is a good fit for our company culture?

CalTek assesses cultural fit for a company by employing various methods and considering multiple factors. Cultural fit refers to how well a candidate’s values, work style, and personality align with the culture and values of the hiring company. It’s important to note that cultural fit assessments are not about finding candidates who are identical to the existing employees but rather about ensuring that candidates share the fundamental values and work principles that are important to the organization. Achieving a good cultural fit contributes to greater job satisfaction and long-term success for both the candidate and the company. Following are few strategies that we use to ensure a good cultural fit:

  1. Client Consultation: We often begin by engaging in in-depth discussions with our client to understand its organizational culture, values, mission, and vision. This consultation helps us gain insights into what makes a good cultural fit for that specific client.
  2. Candidate Interviews: Conduct thorough interviews with candidates to assess their personality, work habits, communication style, and interpersonal skills. Behavioral interview questions may be used to gauge how candidates have handled situations in the past that relate to the company’s culture.
  3. Reference Checks: Checking references from previous employers can provide insights into a candidate’s past performance, work ethic, and how well they fit within previous organizational cultures.
  4. Behavioral Assessments: Some clients have asked us to use behavioral assessments or give personality tests to gain a better understanding of a candidate’s traits and whether they align with the company’s culture. These assessments can identify characteristics such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and communication skills.
  5. Cultural Interviews: In some cases, we will arrange for candidates to meet with representatives from the client company to assess mutual compatibility and cultural alignment.
  6. Client Feedback: After placements are made, we will seek feedback from both the client and the candidate to ensure that the cultural fit is successful. This feedback can help make necessary adjustments and improvements.
  7. Ongoing Relationship: Building a long-term relationship with our clients allows us to better understand the evolving culture of the company and refine their candidate selection process accordingly.

Do you offer any additional services such as interview coaching or onboarding support?

Both onboarding support and interview coaching are valuable services provided by CalTek Staffing to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for their roles and the interview process. These services help both candidates and clients navigate the hiring process more effectively.

Benefits of Onboarding Support: Onboarding support benefits candidates by reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with starting a new job. It also benefits clients by improving retention rates, as employees who receive effective onboarding are more likely to stay with the company.
Benefits of Interview Coaching: Interview coaching helps candidates present themselves more effectively and confidently during interviews. It increases their chances of successfully landing job offers and advancing in their careers.

How do you handle sensitive issues such as discrimination or bias during the recruitment process?

Addressing discrimination and bias throughout the hiring process is essential to upholding fair and equitable recruitment practices and advance diversity and inclusion within an organization. Tackling these challenges demands a continuous and proactive commitment from organizations. Through the implementation of specific measures, we have successfully fostered a more inclusive and equitable hiring environment, resulting in a more diverse and skilled workforce, benefiting both our internal teams and our clients.

What is your process for handling feedback from clients and candidates?

Handling feedback from both clients and candidates is crucial for CalTek Staffing to continuously improve its services and maintain positive relationships. By actively soliciting, listening to, and acting upon feedback from both clients and candidates, we have been able to continuously refine our processes, enhance client satisfaction, and provide a better experience for job seekers, ultimately strengthening our reputation and success in the industry.

Do candidates have to pay to work with you?

CalTek Staffing does not impose fees on job seekers or employees for job placement. Instead, our compensation comes from the hiring companies (clients), utilizing diverse fee structures. This framework enables us to sustain our operations, offer valuable services to both clients and candidates, and facilitate the alignment of the most suitable talent with appropriate job opportunities.

What is your policy on confidentiality and data protection?

An effective data protection and confidentiality policy is paramount in light of our handling of sensitive personal and professional information from both clients and candidates. Our comprehensive policy serves as a critical tool in ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations, fostering trust with clients and candidates, mitigating the risk of data breaches and legal liabilities, and preserving the security of sensitive information.

Why should I use a engineering recruiter?

Engaging an engineering recruiter offers distinct benefits to both employers and candidates in the engineering field. These recruiters possess profound insights into the industry, covering diverse areas like mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering. Such expertise allows us to precisely align candidates with the right roles.

Which engineering roles does CalTek Staffing fill?

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Architect
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Engineering Manager
  • Field Service Engineer
  • HVAC Engineer
  • Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Medical Device Engineer
  • MEP Engineer
  • Piping Engineer
  • Plumbing Engineer
  • Process Control Engineer
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Propulsion Engineer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer