The Engineering Industry Labour Report 2025

The Engineering Industry Labour Report 2025

Specialist Engineering Recruitment

Read the 2025 Engineering Labour Report

With one in five senior professionals planning to retire in the next five years, where should UK engineering recruiters look next? Learn more about the most desirable verticals, the impacts of IR35, and the factors that really motivate the workforce. Hear from more than 3,000 UK engineers in our latest findings.

Download the 2025 Engineering Labour Report

About our engineering recruitment.

The Engineering team at Murray McIntosh specialises in delivering recruitment solutions for SMEs inindustries such as defence, marine, and manufacturing across the UK. We focus on critical engineering roles - ranging from Electrical and Electronics Engineers to Embedded, Control Systems, Design, Mechanical, Systems, and Project Engineers - where skills are niche.

Our mission is to make recruitment efficient, agile, and reliable. We combine deep sector knowledge with a research-led, advisory approach to workforce planning, giving clients access to top-tier and often passive talent that is otherwise hard to reach. We understand the context of each role, the challenges of security clearance, and the nuances of project-based work, ensuring we make precise, well-judged introductions that drive long-term success.

Beyond simply filling roles, we work as a trusted business partner. Our consultants maintain active networks, stay ahead of industry developments, and provide considered guidance on issues such as IR35, retention, and market trends. This allows us to deliver recruitment that is relevant, measured, and directly aligned to our clients’ operational and strategic objectives.

"Chris’ first-hand experience undoubtedly allowed him to understand the requirements of the engineering roles at JCB. This pace of recruitment support is greatly appreciated.”

Matthew Round - Principal Systems Engineer at JCB Power Systems

Read more testimonials
Bowman Power Solutions Logo
Metrasens Logo
Penlon Logo
Judges Scientific PLC logo
Carron Logo
Howorth Air Tech
Silicon Microgravity
Science Group Logo
Cohort PLC Logo
Cygnus Systems Logo
RWC Logo
Spirax Group Logo

Learn more about our engineering hiring services

Contract Recruitment & Management

Quickly source experienced contractors while transferring all management responsibilities and risks to us, ensuring PAYE and NIC obligations are handled accurately and efficiently.

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Permanent Recruitment

Quickly secure the right permanent hires while we manage the recruitment process end-to-end, ensuring a seamless and compliant hiring experience.

Learn more

Hiring Advice & Insights

We provide unmatched hiring insights and recruitment advice, drawing on our reports, day-to-day conversations, event participation, and strong industry partnerships.

Learn more

Your next engineer hire starts here

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Live vacancies in the UK engineering sector

Murray McIntosh

Contract

Principle Civil Design Engineer

£500-£550 per DailyDerby

I'm currently working with a client within the UK water sector that is looking to hire a Principle Civil Engineer at design level. This is a hands-on engineering design roles focused on water and wastewater treatment projects, supporting the delivery of cost effective and buildable technical solutions within a multi-disciplinary environment. Typical responsibilities include: Producing and developing civil engineering design layouts for water/wastewater infrastructure Working closely with other

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Nile O'Meally

Murray McIntosh

Permanent

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

£70,000-£75,000 per annumCheltenham

Murray McIntosh are currently seeking an Senior Embedded Software Engineer to start work for a key client of ours as detailed. Location - Cheltenham Start date - ASAP Salary - £70,000 - £75,000 + (Negotiable + benefits)

Murray McIntosh

Contract

Design Manager I Reading

£525-£550 per DailyReading

This role sits within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment, where you would be responsible for leading design teams across projects from concept through to detailed design and into construction. It is a client-facing position, involving close collaboration with stakeholders, consultants, and internal engineering disciplines to deliver technically robust and sustainable solutions

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Nile O'Meally

Murray McIntosh

Permanent

Site Manager | Sheffield

£40,000-£45,000 per annumSheffield

The Role Reporting into the Project Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day management of projects, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. This role is focused on driving performance, productivity, and full H&S compliance on site. Key Responsibilities * Manage site teams, subcontractors, and supply chain * Oversee planning, delivery, and site performance * Conduct site visits, audits, and quality checks * Track resources, materials, and plan

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Nile O'Meally

Helpful resources for the UK engineering sector

Photo for JCB Power Systems Case Study

JCB Power Systems

This JCB case study is a testament to how Engineering by Murray recruitment supported JCB in delivering the first hydrogen motor in the industry.

Photo of Chris Nelson
Chris Nelson
Nov 12, 2024
Photo for Ontic Case Study

Ontic

Chris delivered a mixture of contract and permanent solutions for us against two roles that had been open for an extensive period of time.

Photo of Chris Nelson
Chris Nelson
Nov 07, 2024