We’ve noticed a subtle but significant shift in recent years. More manufacturing engineers are coming to us asking about contracting opportunities. They’re hearing from their peers about the variety of projects, the higher earning potential, and the flexibility that contracting can offer. What was once seen as an alternative career path is now increasingly viewed as one of the most attractive options for ambitious engineers in Ireland.

This shift to contracting jobs reflects a wider trend across Ireland’s labour market. Ireland’s Project Economy 2025 report, highlights that nearly one in three professionals in Ireland are in project-based work, a contracting figure that we expected to rise steadily in the coming years.   Manufacturing Engineers (aka Process Engineers) are at the forefront of this shift along with R&D and Automation Engineers.

So, Why is Contracting Becoming an Attractive Option for Manufacturing Engineers?

It’s a combination of reasons. Working in Contracting gives engineers exposure to a diverse project with a variety of companies and cultures.  Whether it is scaling up production for a new cardiac medical device in Dublin, leading a validation or automation programme in Cork, to supporting a global product transfer in Limerick. These opportunities allow engineers to build expertise across diverse environments far more quickly than a single permanent role might allow. Its employers themselves are fueling this change: rather than expanding permanent headcount, companies are relying on engineering contractors to bring in specialist expertise.

What Working in Contracting Means Financially?

The financial case is compelling. Our Contracting Rate Guide 2025 shows typical daily rate for a manufacturing engineer in Ireland ranges between €300 and €400 per day.  Senior manufacturing engineers usually earn higher rates, which vary depending on the length of the contract, their experience, area of expertise, the industry, and the location. Contracting delivers stronger financial rewards than permanent roles, particularly for engineers with specialised skills in validation, automation, or lean process optimisation. It’s for these reasons more manufacturing engineers are choosing contracting jobs.

The most common job titles among contracting professionals include:

• Manufacturing Engineer aka Process Engineer
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• Manufacturing Project Engineer
• Process Development Engineer
• Validation Engineer

The most job opportunities in Ireland are based in the main hubs, with Galway, Cork, and Limerick leading the way.

Flexibility is another main reason engineers chose contracting, especially those earlier or later in their careers.  Contracting jobs offers more than financial reward and control over projects the work on and the times they work. Autonomy has become one of the most valued aspects of work across Ireland’s economy, and engineering is no exception.

Challenging The Mortgage Myth

"One of the most common questions we hear from engineers considering contracting is around mortgages. Many assume that moving into project-based work will limit their chances of securing a home loan, but that simply isn’t the case." - Diarmuid Lannon

One concern we often hear from engineers considering contracting is whether it will affect their ability to secure a mortgage. This perception can deter some from exploring contract opportunities when they are looking to buy a home, but it is largely a myth. Contractors can and do qualify for mortgages in Ireland. While the process may involve providing additional documentation such as contracts, bank statements, and evidence of consistent earnings, lenders are now accustomed to working with engineering professionals in project-based employment.

Our work with leading MedTech innovators such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Regeneron and Cook Medical demonstrates how contracting engineers are central to delivering the projects that keep Ireland at the forefront of global medical technology. Contracting is not the future of work for manufacturing engineers; it is already here.

📩 If you’re a manufacturing engineer exploring contracting job opportunities, our team at HERO can guide you through the latest roles, rate expectations, and project opportunities across Ireland’s leading MedTech and advanced manufacturing companies.

Contact Diarmuid Lannon at consulting@hero.ie or 086 128 7246 to start your next chapter in contracting.