Some people have hesitations about getting into temporary or contract-only job positions. It can be worrisome to not constantly have fixed, reliable employment, salary, and benefits. Although temp engineering jobs aren’t permanent positions, there are actually many advantages to being in these assignments.
Contract jobs for engineers can offer a lot of flexibility and freedom. You’ll have the opportunity to connect and network with a myriad of people and potentially work in positions or industries you never imagined.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of temp engineering jobs and why this may be the perfect career path for you.
Why Do Employers Hire Temporary Engineers?
Temp engineering positions are great opportunities for companies to hire engineers, designers, technicians, and other specialties for short-term or long-term projects. If these companies don’t have the budget to hire permanent employees, they typically look for candidates interested in contract-only work.
Companies also look to save time and money by avoiding the hassle of a lengthy hiring process. Because temp engineering positions are employment-at-will, there’s a broader range of candidates that can offer skills or quick consultations for one-time projects. If the temp engineer isn’t efficient or effective, the company can let them go and find someone else instead.
Employers may hire temp engineers directly, or they may use an engineering recruiting agency. Contract recruiting firms save companies time and money by handling the entire hiring process for them. Some agencies even offer benefits to the temp engineer, so the company itself doesn’t have to worry about it.
Reasons a Temp Engineering Job May Be Right for You
Contract positions can last a long time, sometimes lasting anywhere from six months to a year. There are many reasons why a temp engineering job may be right for you. Consider these benefits if you’re looking for contract-only positions.
Flexibility
As a temp engineer, you have more control over when and where you work. If you have kids or other personal scenarios to deal with, contract-only positions are easy to shape around your life. You can even take a career break if you’re looking for some time off.
Temp engineering positions also offer location flexibility. You have the option to stay close to home, or you can travel to new places and work there temporarily instead.
Salary and Benefits
Contract positions can oftentimes be more lucrative than permanent roles because compensation is typically paid out as an hourly rate. This structure allows eligibility for overtime, which is paid out at time and a half. Additionally, contractors are usually eligible for fringe benefits, including medical insurance, PTO, 401k, short-term and long-term disability, and more.
Networking
Temp engineers have access to many different positions, allowing for further career building. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and expand professional relationships.
Temp engineering jobs can also lead to permanent positions later on as you work with different companies and professionals. Contract positions are a great way to network with other companies, especially if you’re looking for a permanent position.
Learning New Skills
Working for various companies and being exposed to many different projects over time is very beneficial for engineers. By meeting different industry leaders and learning to adapt to specific duties and expectations, you will gain more experience and skills to add to your resume. You will also receive formal training from other experts in the field.
Companies that hire engineers continually look for those with experience and extended knowledge of the industry. With a large skillset and understanding of many different engineering aspects, you will become a well-regarded engineer that recruiters will want to hire for their companies.
Experiencing Many Fields
Temp jobs allow you to test the waters and try out different fields within the engineering discipline. If you find that a particular field sparks your interest, or if you enjoy one over another, it might be a field you could consider working in permanently. Finding what you’re passionate about can drastically change your career path in the future.
You can also jump around temp engineering positions a lot easier than permanent job placements. If a particular project or industry isn’t for you, you can easily avoid it in the future. If you were curious what it’d be like to work for a specific company or firm, you can try it out on a temporary basis to see if it’s a good fit.
Working with an Engineering Agency
Temp engineering agencies are great resources if you’re looking for contract-only positions. Contract engineering firms specialize in recruiting great engineers for top positions in many different locations. Working with an engineering agency gives you more flexibility and saves you time and money.
Agencies like Austin Nichols Technical Search have an 87% temporary-to-direct-hire conversion rate, meaning that if you’ve found an industry you want to work in permanently, we can help you find the position that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for a temp engineering job, Austin Nichols is here for you every step of the way. We can answer any questions you may have. Browse our current engineering positions or contact us today.
