You’re on an 8-week deadline but short 25 engineers. What’s the plan? That was the challenge for a systems integrator tasked with automating electric vehicle battery assembly lines. To stay on schedule, they needed 25+ Controls Engineers with experience in Allen Bradley PLCs, Siemens HMI, and FANUC robotics. Missing the timeline wasn't an option. The automotive client had committed to converting their entire fleet to electric by 2035, and this project was a cornerstone of that pledge. Here's how we delivered: → We deployed 6 recruiters and 4 talent care specialists with one focus: fill every role within 8 weeks. Needless to say, the positions required highly specialized skills that can't be found anywhere. But we had an advantage: years of working with similar clients had built us a deep network of proven Controls Engineers, PLC Techs, and Robotics Techs who prefer contract work and can deploy quickly. We recommended per-diem allowances to expand beyond local talent, managed travel logistics, and used flexible contract terms to match project timelines ranging from 3 months to 18 months. The result: → 27 Controls Engineers placed within 8 weeks. Project stayed on schedule. When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, having the right network already in place makes all the difference.
When in dire straights being flexible about how the team is treated can move mountains. Being adaptive is propelling success.
Perhaps, just perhaps, one should not commit until a plan has been developed? The timeline, and staffing are a by-product of that plan.