Delivering a Critical Hire for a US-Based Engineering Consultancy
The Challenge
A respected engineering consultancy based in the United States, specialising in electric propulsion and vehicle electrification, approached Marcus Webb Associates with an urgent hiring need. They required a Senior Power Electronics Engineer to support delivery across existing client projects, while also playing a key role in helping the company secure future business.
Without this skillset in-house, their ability to grow, diversify their service offering, and maintain credibility with clients in automotive, aerospace, defence, off-highway and marine markets was at risk.
This was not simply a technical hire — it was a strategic appointment central to the company’s continued success.
Our Approach
Marcus Webb Associates is well-regarded for identifying and securing niche technical talent for engineering and technology-led companies. This project demanded:
- Deep understanding of the technical requirements around high-voltage systems, power electronics design, and integration within electrified propulsion environments.
- The ability to identify transferable talent from adjacent sectors and global markets.
- Careful attention to personality, commercial understanding and communication skills to ensure the right cultural fit for a consultancy environment.
Working across time zones presented no difficulty. Clear planning, excellent time management and structured communication between all parties allowed the project to progress swiftly and effectively.
Overcoming Geographic Challenges
At the time of this project, Marcus Webb’s UK and European talent base in power electronics was well established. However, our direct US candidate pool was more limited, so we implemented an intensive and proactive search strategy:
- Extensive Networking: We engaged with engineering communities, alumni networks, and relevant technical forums across the region.
- Direct Outreach: A targeted campaign was launched to approach passive candidates from both consultancy and in-house design environments.
- Candidate Qualification: We evaluated not only technical capabilities, but also each candidate’s aptitude for client interaction, problem solving, and project adaptability — key traits for success in a consultancy setting.
The Outcome
The project concluded with the successful hire of a Senior Power Electronics Engineer who ticked all the boxes:
- Technical excellence in power electronics development
- Proven ability to adapt to a broad range of new technologies.
- Strong interpersonal and commercial skills suited to client-facing work
This was a passive candidate, not actively seeking a new role at the time. It was the targeted approach by Marcus Webb Associates and the attractive proposition of the opportunity that prompted their interest and eventual decision to join the client’s team.
The Lasting Impact
This success has paved the way for future collaboration between the client and Marcus Webb Associates.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates Marcus Webb Associates’ ability to deliver specialist talent on a global scale, even when existing local networks are limited. Our combination of technical understanding, market insight, and rigorous search strategy turned a potential barrier to growth into a strategic advantage for our client.