In our current hiring landscape, understanding what engineers value most in a job offer is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. The engineering industry is evolving rapidly in 2025, shaped by emerging technologies, remote work trends, and shifting career priorities. At Platform Recruitment, we speak to engineers daily and understand the changing expectations from both candidates and clients.
If you're currently hiring and want to attract top engineering talent, get in touch with our team or explore our current solutions.
In this blog, we break down what engineers are prioritising in job offers this year, based on real market insights and candidate feedback. Whether you’re a hiring manager, HR professional, or startup founder, these insights can help you build more compelling offers that align with what engineers are actually looking for.
1. Competitive Salary – But Not at All Costs
It should come as no surprise that salary remains a key factor. Engineers are highly skilled professionals, and they expect compensation that reflects their technical expertise and the value they bring. However, in 2025, it’s not just about the number - it’s about transparency, fairness and market alignment.
What engineers want:
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Market-aligned salaries that reflect experience and location
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Transparent pay structures and growth potential
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Realistic, achievable bonus schemes
Tip for employers: Regularly benchmark your salaries against competitors and ensure you’re offering a clear salary progression path.
2. Flexible and Remote Working Options
Remote work isn’t just a trend anymore – it’s an expectation. While some engineers still prefer hybrid or onsite roles (especially those working closely with hardware), flexibility is now a top priority.
What engineers want:
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The option to work remotely or flexibly, depending on project needs
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A mature attitude toward work-life balance
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Support for remote working tools and collaboration
Tip for employers: Even if your role can’t be fully remote, offering hybrid options or flexible start/end times can make a big difference.
3. Career Progression and Skills Development
Today’s engineers are not just thinking about the role they’re stepping into - they’re considering where it will take them. Opportunities for growth and development are non-negotiable for many candidates.
What engineers want:
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Clear career progression paths (both technical and managerial)
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Funding or support for training and upskilling (e.g., certifications, conferences)
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Access to mentorship and knowledge-sharing
Tip for employers: Include examples of career journeys within your business in job descriptions or interviews. Engineers want to know what “growth” really looks like in your company.
4. Meaningful and Impactful Work
Engineers are increasingly motivated by the purpose behind their work. Whether it's contributing to green energy, medtech innovation, or cutting-edge AI, engineers want to work on projects that matter.
What engineers want:
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A sense of purpose in their role and how it impacts the wider world
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Projects that challenge them intellectually and technically
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A chance to innovate and bring ideas to life
Tip for employers: Articulate the bigger picture behind your work. Even if your company isn’t a household name, engineers want to know their work will have a meaningful impact.
5. Team Culture and Leadership Style
Company culture is a major deciding factor in 2025, particularly as more engineers place importance on mental wellbeing, team dynamics, and leadership approach.
What engineers want:
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Inclusive, respectful, and supportive environments
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Leaders who are technically competent and approachable
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Transparent communication and realistic expectations
Tip for employers: Highlight your company values, leadership style, and team dynamics in interviews and marketing materials. Engineers want to work where they feel respected and empowered.
6. Cutting-Edge Tech and Tools
Engineers want to stay sharp and that means working with up-to-date technology. Whether it’s modern frameworks, development environments, or access to the latest hardware, having the right tools can be a game-changer.
What engineers want:
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Access to modern, efficient tech stacks
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Autonomy in choosing tools or suggesting improvements
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Continuous integration, automated testing, and clean documentation
Tip for employers: Outdated systems or rigid processes can deter top talent. Highlight your commitment to innovation and modernisation.
7. Stability, Security and Work-Life Balance
While engineers love innovation, they also value security, especially in the current economic climate. Startups and scaleups must demonstrate both vision and financial stability.
What engineers want:
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A sense of job security, even in early-stage ventures
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Balanced workloads and realistic deadlines
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Company transparency around financial health and runway
Tip for employers: If you’re a startup, explain your funding stage and long-term roadmap. Show candidates you’re not just exciting, you’re sustainable.
Aligning Offers with Expectations
In 2025, engineering candidates are looking at the full package, not just the salary. They want flexibility, growth, purpose and a culture where they can thrive.
Understanding and addressing these expectations not only helps you hire better but also retain your team in the long term. At Platform Recruitment, we specialise in connecting forward-thinking companies with engineering professionals who are driven by challenge, impact, and innovation.
Looking to attract top talent? Browse our live roles or contact us today to find out how we can help you build the right team.
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