The field of plastics engineering is at a pivotal juncture, evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and materials science. As the world increasingly turns towards sustainable and innovative solutions, the roles within this sector are not just changing; they are being redefined. This blog aims to shine a light on these emerging roles and offer guidance for recruiters on how to identify and attract the trailblazers who will lead the next wave of plastics engineering.
The New Frontier in Plastics Engineering
1.Reinforced Plastics Specialists:
The integration of composite polymers with carbon or aramid fibers has opened new avenues in materials engineering. Reinforced plastics are now pivotal in various sectors, including marine, military, aerospace, and automotive industries. These materials offer enhanced strength and heat tolerance while maintaining lightweight properties, essential for sustainable manufacturing and design.
2.Biodegradable Plastics Developers:
Responding to the global demand for sustainability, biodegradable plastics made from natural materials like corn byproducts and plant starches have gained prominence. The market for these eco-friendly alternatives is projected to reach over $12 billion by 2027, creating a burgeoning niche for specialists in this area.
3.Radio Frequency Embedded Plastics Engineers:
The expanding application of RF embedded plastics in construction, healthcare, and commercial markets signifies a need for experts in this field. These professionals work on embedding RF technology into plastics for applications ranging from anti-theft tags to strain and stress monitoring in pipelines.
4.Automation Experts in Plastic Manufacturing:
With the rise of automation, roles focusing on optimizing manufacturing processes through technology have become critical. These include experts in part insertion, quality control, and post-secondary operations such as assembly and packaging.
Recruiting the Architects of Tomorrow
1.Embrace Technological Platforms:
The modern job seeker in engineering is tech-savvy, utilizing a variety of platforms for job hunting. Recruiters need to leverage diverse platforms, including professional networking sites and niche job boards, moving beyond traditional job posting sites.
2.Mobile Optimization:
Given the prevalence of mobile devices, ensuring that career sites and job applications are mobile-friendly is no longer optional. It’s a necessity to attract the contemporary job seeker.
3.Diversification of Recruitment Resources:
To attract top talent, recruiters must diversify the resources they use. This involves continuous engagement with potential candidates, even if they are not immediately ready for a career change.
4.Salary Transparency:
Clearly stating competitive salary ranges in job postings can attract more candidates and establish trust. This transparency also aids in creating a more equitable hiring environment.
5.Highlighting Company Culture:
Company culture is a significant consideration for job seekers. Recruiters should showcase their organization’s mission, values, and employee development opportunities to attract like-minded candidates.
6.Using Engineer-Specific Job Boards:
Posting on niche job boards can lead to faster recruitment of specialized talent. These platforms often attract a more focused and relevant pool of candidates.
7.Efficient Onboarding Processes:
A strong onboarding process ensures that the promises made during the hiring stage are fulfilled. This step is crucial for retaining new hires and integrating them into the team.
8.Speed in Offer Extension:
In a competitive market, extending offers promptly to top candidates is essential. Streamlining the interview process and being prepared to negotiate swiftly can secure the right talent.
9.Partnership with Recruitment Agencies:
Working with recruitment agencies that specialize in engineering can provide access to pre-screened, high-quality candidates. These agencies often have advanced tools for talent matching and a deep understanding of the business needs.
The future of plastics engineering
The landscape of plastics engineering is changing, bringing forth roles that require a blend of technical expertise, innovation, and adaptability. For recruiters, the challenge lies not just in identifying these emerging talents but also in attracting and retaining them. By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines an understanding of the evolving field with modern recruitment strategies, organizations can position themselves at the forefront of this exciting and dynamic industry. The future of plastics engineering depends on the visionaries we recruit today, making it imperative for recruiters to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving field.