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If you’ve been job searching in the Silicon Valley, you’ve likely seen an influx of contract engineering roles open at technology companies. Perhaps you’ve toyed with the idea of becoming a contract engineer before. Now, you’re probably wondering if engineering consulting is right for you.

Becoming an engineering consultant is not for everybody. While becoming a consultant may not offer the same securities as a permanent employee, many engineers are finding a career in contract work extremely rewarding. The engineer contract opportunities are endless in the Silicon Valley and throughout the Bay Area. If you’re going to give contract work a shot, you’ve definitely found the right place!

[See the latest software and hardware jobs]

Here’s a short quiz to see if becoming an engineering consultant may be right for you.

  • Do you want to work on the Silicon Valley’s latest innovations?

Whether it’s within a start-up, or one of the industry-leaders, opportunities to get hands-on with new innovations are everywhere. ERG recently featured some of the most exciting Silicon Valley tech innovations to watch, and they are seriously cool. If you’re someone who wants to work on the latest innovations, you should definitely consider becoming an engineering consultant.

  • Do you like learning new technology?

One of the best perks of becoming an engineering consultant is the exposure to the latest technology. Keeping up-to-date with the latest hardware and software trends will increase your chances to land your next role. Familiarity with technologies like JIRA, Puppet, node.js, or EtherCAT, can also significantly boost your earning potential. There’s no better way to add to your knowledge base than getting hands-on with new tech.

[Check out software engineering positions]

  • Do you like a challenge?

Each project you work on will present its own challenges and obstacles. If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, you’ll absolutely enjoy contract jobs. Meeting a new team and getting exposure to new technology can lead to experiences that you’ve never faced before. You’ll get the opportunity to grow both your technology skill set and your interpersonal skills. Consulting is not for the weak! It takes tenacity and a strong drive to succeed. Are you up for the challenge?

  • Do you want to manage your own work schedule?

Do you want to work six months, and then take a month-long break? Prefer to work for two years straight, then taking a two month hiatus? It’s your choice. With contract roles, you get that flexibility to decide. Opportunities for hardware and software engineers are ample in the Silicon Valley, meaning there are open contracts of all lengths, shapes and sizes. ERG has seen contract ranging from two weeks to over two years.

[Browse our job board here]

  • Do you have a unique skill set?

Engineers with ultra-specialized skill sets are in high demand. In the Silicon Valley market, you’ll be able to find an exciting contract. ERG specializes in placing contract engineers with very unique skill sets, in both hardware and software roles. Many of our clients come to us with open roles for engineers with hard-to-find requirements. We can help you put your past experience towards new and exciting challenges.

  • Do you want to work with the best?

Companies in the area like Samsung, Cisco, Google, SanDisk, Ericsson, and Microsoft all have tons of engineers with a wide breadth of knowledge. Each team is stocked with the some of the best and brightest engineers in the Silicon Valley. You’ll get to work alongside permanent employees as well as other contractors who have unique backgrounds and industry expertise.

If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, consulting could be right for you! ERG can help you find your first engineering contract role in the Silicon Valley. Still not convinced? Check out our additional benefits of becoming a consultant.

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