Aquatic Control Engineering (ACE) is a specialist engineering business delivering bespoke mechanical and electrical solutions for the water, flood defence, and environmental sectors.
Like many businesses in this industry, very little of their work is standard. Projects frequently require bespoke mechanical designs, making experienced Mechanical Design Engineers critical to the successful delivery of customer projects.
As the business continued to win new work, they recognised the need to strengthen their design capability to support future growth.
EnquireThe Challenge
Finding experienced Mechanical Design Engineers within the UK water sector is exceptionally difficult.
Most suitable engineers are employed by a relatively small number of specialist OEMs, Tier 1 contractors, or water utilities such as Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities, Costain, and Glanua.
As a result, the available talent pool is limited, with many engineers remaining with employers for long periods or working on specialist projects.
During discussions with ACE, we explained that we had already built relationships with several engineers operating within this niche market. Rather than beginning a traditional recruitment campaign, the client was keen to understand whether any of these individuals could add value to their business.
EMT Talent's Approach
Having spent the previous years developing relationships with specialist Mechanical Design Engineers, EMT Talent already had a particular individual in mind whose background aligned closely with ACE's products, projects, and technical requirements.
Following conversations around the company's growth plans, we introduced the candidate despite them not actively looking for a new position. The opportunity itself aligned with the type of engineering work they enjoyed and the direction they wanted to take their career.
The candidate brought highly relevant experience, including:
- Bespoke mechanical design using SolidWorks
- Steel fabrication and structural design
- Design of weirs, penstocks, and water control equipment
- Design for manufacture and production drawings
- Working within highly regulated engineering environments
An additional advantage was that the candidate had previously worked for a company where one of ACE's senior technical leaders had been Technical Director. This provided immediate confidence in both the candidate's technical capability and their likely cultural fit within the business.
The Outcome
The candidate progressed through interview and accepted an offer to join Aquatic Control Engineering.
In addition to possessing highly relevant technical design experience, they were already living within a commutable distance of the business and had realistic salary expectations, allowing the process to move quickly and efficiently.
For ACE, the appointment strengthened their design capability with an engineer capable of contributing to bespoke product development from day one.
Final Impact
This placement demonstrates EMT Talent's ability to identify and engage highly specialised engineering professionals within markets where traditional recruitment methods often struggle.
Rather than relying on job adverts or applicants actively seeking work, we introduced a candidate who had the right technical background, relevant industry experience, and genuine long-term interest in the opportunity.
By maintaining relationships within niche engineering sectors, EMT Talent was able to deliver a solution that aligned with the client's technical requirements and long-term growth plans.
If you're recruiting within design, draughting or new product development, and need engineers with experience in Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, FEA or other specialist design software, get in touch today. There's a good chance we're already speaking with - or know someone with the skills you're looking for!
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