Engineers take years of training, hard work and on the job experience to gain an incredible level of knowledge. An industrial and manufacturing engineer has the added challenges of apply their craft to a series of highly complex, highly hazardous and sometimes dangerous industrial sites. This expertise makes them invaluable on your project site, not matter if you are digging up valuable minerals, or carrying out deep sea mining exploration. Of course, this level of knowledge means that a qualified engineer will never be a cheap option, but do not let that make you think they will not save you money. In fact, quite the opposite is true, and selecting the right engineer will often save you a lot of money as they can highlight potential flaws in your project plan, and spot mistakes before it is too late.

As soon as you start looking to hire an engineer however, you will find out that the process is not quite as easy as it seems. Here are a few tips to help you find the right engineer for you.

Membership of a professional organisation

While any engineer you look at should have the high standards of qualifications to let them call themselves an engineer, there are also a series of trade organisations in Australia which help to regulate the professional, provide additional training and act as proof that the engineer you have hired is worth the money you pay. Find your engineering trade association for your state or territory, and see if they have any recommendations for a local engineer you can get in touch with. Those at the top of the profession will also likely have 'chartered' status, which sets them above the rest, and although you will pay a premium for these  

Freelancer or entire company

Depending on your project, you may need just a single freelance engineer dedicated to your project, or the services of one of Australia's engineering companies. Mostly, your decision should be based on the skill level required, how you and your team like to manage contractors and the complexity of your project. An working with an engineer who only focuses on your industry can help you gain superior insight, but working with an engineering firm means they will be able to consult their colleagues on tricky problems.

Work with someone you like

It is likely that you will be working with this engineer for months if not years, so make sure you pick someone you like and trust. This will form the basis of a good working relationship, keep them motivated about your project, and help avoid professional disputes further down the line.