Platform Recruitment provides both contract and permanent recruitment services for engineering and technology roles across the UK, US and Germany.
One question we get asked regularly by clients, particularly those hiring for the first time or expanding into a new area, is whether to hire permanently or bring in a contractor. The answer depends on what you need, how quickly you need it, and what the role looks like in twelve months.
At Platform Recruitment, we provide both contract and permanent recruitment services, and our consultants can advise on which approach fits your situation.
When permanent hiring makes sense
Permanent hires are the right choice when you're building long-term capability. When the role will exist in a year's time, and you want someone who grows with the team, absorbs the culture, and develops institutional knowledge. Most of our placements are permanent, and they span the full seniority range from graduate engineers to engineering directors.
Permanent hiring requires a longer process (typically three to six weeks from brief to offer) but produces a team member who is invested in the outcome over time. For guidance on running an effective permanent hiring process, see our 2026 interview playbook.
When contract hiring makes sense
Contract hires are the right choice when you need specific expertise for a defined period; a product launch, a system migration, a compliance deadline or a gap while you search for a permanent hire. Contract engineers can typically start within days rather than weeks, and they bring focused expertise without the long-term commitment.
Contract rates in the UK engineering market vary significantly by specialism, seniority and region. Our consultants can give you a current read on day rates for any role you're considering.
How we work across both models
Whether you're hiring permanently or on a contract basis, our process starts the same way: a detailed briefing conversation to understand what you actually need, followed by a targeted search through our network. We manage the full process: shortlisting, interview coordination, offer negotiation and onboarding support, for both contract and permanent placements.
Many of our long-standing clients use both services depending on the situation. A common pattern we see is a client bringing in a contract engineer to cover an immediate need while we run a permanent search alongside, giving them the speed of contract and the long-term investment of a permanent hire without having to choose one or the other.
Salary and rate benchmarks
For permanent salary data across software, embedded and electronics engineering roles, see our 2026 software engineering salary guide and our 2026 embedded software and electronics salary guide. For current contract day rates, get in touch directly — rates move quickly and a conversation will give you a more accurate picture than published data.
Get in touch
Whether you're weighing up contract versus permanent or you've already decided and need to move fast, we're here to help. Send us a brief or upload your CV and we'll come back to you within 24 hours.
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