Searches we’ve run, with the numbers
We don’t name our clients, but every number here is real. Each case shows the brief, what we did and how long it took.
Case studies
01
Case 01Retained search
Five hires for a Virginia systems integrator
The briefA Virginia systems integrator with an AVEVA practice needed to grow its MES, SCADA and data team quickly. It had five roles open at once, and the team was being built for the next stage of the business.
What we didThe search started with a senior engineer we had been talking to about his own next move. He ended up bringing us in to hire for the firm instead. We agreed retained terms with the head of people in November 2024. We met the head of engineering and each hiring manager before we started, so every role was briefed by the person the engineer would work for.
We ran the five roles as one program rather than five separate searches: two MES engineers, two SCADA engineers and a data engineer. Most of the engineers we spoke to still called the platform Wonderware, so we searched under both names. We asked every candidate which AVEVA products and versions they had worked on and what they had owned. The client got a market map and salary guide for each role and a calibration call every week. That meant the brief could be adjusted as soon as the first resumes came back.
Result
Five engineers hired in under ten weeks, all from one retained program.
02
Case 02Contract
A contract bench for a top tier integrator on pharma sites
The briefContractors for pharma and life sciences client sites, including weekend support cover as well as project work.
What we didContractors drawn from our existing pools across DeltaV, Rockwell, Ignition, AVEVA PI and MES.
Result
Eight contractors placed between February and August 2026.
03
Case 03Repeat client
Four hires for a small North Carolina integrator
The briefControl systems engineers who can own a project end to end: MCC and panel design, Rockwell PLC and HMI code, SCADA on FactoryTalk, Wonderware or iFix, then commissioning and the client relationship. 75% remote, with around a week a month on site.
What we didA senior control systems engineer, two control systems engineers and an automation project manager. On the latest search 54 engineers were considered and six presented.
Result
Four hires for a team of under ten, and the client keeps coming back.
Jon is a pleasure to work with and understands our candidate requirements and our industry. He was responsive at every stage. I would recommend Jon and CandidTalent for any future recruiting needs.
Co-Founder · Engineering firm
04
Case 04Machine builder
A controls engineer for a custom machine builder in Massachusetts
The briefRockwell PLC code, panel design and servo and stepper motion, with up to 30% travel for installs.
What we didA focused search for engineers with machine building backgrounds within reach of the client’s shop.
Result
21 days from brief to hire.
05
Case 05Embedded hiring
12 niche engineers for a global pharma engineering firm
The briefNiche hires across DeltaV, project management and process engineering for pharma projects.
What we didAn embedded team led by Jon, working alongside the client’s own people with weekly alignment meetings.
Result
12 engineers placed within five months.
The placement that turned into a client
We placed an engineer with a hiring manager who later moved to a new company. The first thing he did in the new job was call us. That’s how most of our client list was built.
Great listener, great soft skills. It is a pleasure working with Jon because he is effective and much more pleasant to do business with than many of the agency points of contact out there. Honest, good listener, not bothersome, and gets the job done.
Senior Talent Acquisition
ETech Group
Genuinely impressed and I’m hard to please. Jon gets it. He sends quality not quantity, listens to what you ask for, drives without being pushy, and finds the good talent that isn’t always looking.
Talent Acquisition Manager
NECI
I am pleased to recommend Jon Woolley for his outstanding recruitment services. Over the years, Jon has consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills, a keen understanding of our specific needs, and an impressive ability to source high quality candidates.
CEO
Skellig
I had a premium experience working with Jon recruiting for us. Jon takes the time to understand the customer culture and makes sure the candidate will be a good fit. Jon is very effective without being pushy.
VP of Life Sciences
ETech Group
A recruitment specialist you can trust that doesn’t push too hard to get the next bum on a seat is difficult to come by in my experience. Jon is one of the rare ones. He builds relationships first, understands his customers well and shows excellent empathy.
Operations Manager
Marden Edwards
Jon is great to work with. Jon is very responsive, flexible and organized. He is consistent in regards to the quality of candidates he has sent my way. I plan to continue working with Jon for as long as I can.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Skellig
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