Outsourced Project Engineering or Internal Hire: 8 Questions to Ask Yourself

TriMech offers both Project Engineering Service and Staffing Services — so we are often helping clients determine what the best solution is for their project. Making an informed and economically sound decision between outsourced project engineering and internal hiring requires a structured approach to maximize efficiency. To evaluate which option aligns best with your company’s unique circumstances and goals, consider the following questions:

Current Workload and Project Scope:

Begin by assessing your and your team’s immediate workload and the scope of the projects in question. If you have a continuous need for specific skills or tasks, hiring internally might be a viable option. However, for occasional or specialized projects, outsourcing could be more cost-effective.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):

Calculate the total cost of hiring internally, including salary, benefits, hardware, software, training, and overheads. Compare this figure with the estimated cost of outsourcing the same tasks or projects. Ensure your analysis includes both short-term and long-term expenses.

Project Timelines:

Consider the urgency and timeline of your projects. In-house hires may require time for recruitment, onboarding, and skill development. Outsourcing can often expedite project initiation, our Design Solutions Team often works off of a one month estimation, depending on the project.

Flexibility:

Evaluate your company’s need for flexibility. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale up or down as projects demand, while an internal hire commits to a fixed cost regardless of workload fluctuations.

Expertise and Skillsets:

Assess the specific skills and expertise required for your projects. Sometimes niche skillsets take more time than other roles to hire for, and, if you need access to specialized skills, outsourcing may provide a more cost-efficient solution, as service providers often have multiple engineers ready to collaborate on a project.

Risk Mitigation:

Consider the risks associated with each option. Internal hires may carry risks related to retention, turnover, and technology investments. Outsourcing can mitigate these risks and provide access to a reliable and experienced team.

Long-Term Strategy:

Align your decision with your long-term business strategy. If your projects are part of a short-term initiative, outsourcing may make more sense. However, if you anticipate a continuous need for certain skills, internal hiring may be a strategic choice.

Quality and Performance Metrics:

Establish performance metrics and quality standards for your projects. Ensure you have the ability to monitor and compare the performance of in-house teams and outsourcing partners to ensure your expectations will be met.

Getting started with outsourced project engineering

By reviewing these questions and conducting a cost-benefit analysis, you can make an economically sound decision that optimizes your engineering resources and contributes to your company’s overall success. Remember that the right choice may vary from one project to another, so it’s essential to remain flexible and adaptive in your approach. Our unique advantage of offering both in-house solutions allows us to tailor the perfect fit for your needs. Whether it involves re-imagining your current approach or exploring new avenues, we’re here to collaborate and find the optimal solution for you. Connect with us today to get started with outsourced project engineering.