Why should I become a contract engineer or drafter?
Contracting offers many features that may appeal to you. As a contractor, you have complete autonomy with respect to the direction of your career. You select which job opportunities you would like to pursue, how much time off you would like between jobs, etc. Contracting offers considerable flexibility not found with direct employment.
Some of the specific benefits of contract work include:
- Higher Income. Hourly compensation at a pay rate typically higher than direct employment would offer for the same work.
- Diversity. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries on many different types of projects.
- Skill Development. Working on a variety of jobs, you will rapidly enhance your technical skills while working with the latest technologies. If you are a new graduate, contracting is a great way to gain valuable experience.
- Convenience. Your job search is conducted by an experienced recruiter: You simply decide which jobs to accept. Your recruiter will submit your resume, schedule interviews, and negotiate pay rates for you.
How long do contracts last?
A contract may last a few weeks, several months, or even multiple years. While most contracts are 40-hour per week assignments, some contracts may require just part-time hours and may be accomplished off-site. Your recruiter will discuss your preferences and make sure you are considered only for assignments that match your goals.
As a contractor, am I eligible for benefits?
Yes. TRIAD offers comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance and a 401(k) plan. Please see the Benefits section of this web site for information on our benefits.
What types of employers use contractors?
In today’s fast-paced global market, most companies needing skilled technical professionals can benefit from contract services. Typically, these are companies requiring experienced personnel to supplement their work force on short notice either at peak times or for special expertise. Additionally, many employers now view contract-to-direct as a means to hire long-term employees. Over the past few months we have had engineering contract jobs in such fields as aerospace, A&E, electronics, medical device design and manufacturing, power, and optics, to name just a few.
How am I compensated? How often am I paid?
TRIAD’s contractors are paid an hourly rate. Prior to being considered for a job, you and your recruiter will agree on the rate you will be paid.
Contractors are paid according to hours worked. In many instances, contractors are eligible for overtime (hours worked in excess of 40 in one week) compensation. Your recruiter can address whether overtime is an expected part of the job you are considering.
All TRIAD contractors are paid weekly. Every Thursday, contractors are paid for hours worked the previous week. As a convenience, you may elect to have your pay directly deposited into your bank account. Please see the Benefits section of this web site for more information.
What is contract-to-direct?
Contract-to-direct is becoming a very popular way for employers to hire direct employees. Contract-to-direct arrangements begin with the candidate as a contractor at the client site. After some period of time, there may be an offer of direct employment with the client.
Employers and candidates like this arrangement as it allows both parties to try each other out in an on-the-job setting. You can only gain a limited amount of knowledge from an interview; however, you can really get a sense for whether you would be happy with an employer after first working there as a contractor.
If I accept a contract-to-direct assignment, is direct employment guaranteed?
No. Although the client has the intention of converting you to a direct employee if the contract period goes well, this cannot be guaranteed. There are several reasons why a contract-to-direct assignment could be terminated without an offer of direct employment. These include the loss of a key project, the loss of funding, an unexpected downturn in the economy, etc. That stated, in our experience the vast majority of contract-to-direct assignments do lead to direct positions.
What is the best way for me to find a new opportunity?
The first step is to submit your resume to TRIAD. This will prompt a technical recruiter to contact you and spend time discussing your career goals, current employment situation, and any opportunities that may be immediately available. If there isn’t a current opportunity that aligns with your goals, we will contact you as soon as a suitable position becomes available.
Do you provide resume tips?
Yes, our technical recruiters have extensive experience in this field and can provide suggestions regarding content and organization to maximize the effectiveness of your resume.
