Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is booming, with US$10.69 billion (70% of FDI investment)fueling growth in electronics, automotive, mechanical, logistics and so on in H1 2024. The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Industrials & Materials in APAC stands at 31% in Q3 2025, reflecting strong hiring demand for skilled engineers. However, a 77% talent shortage in engineering roles, coupled with the sector being the second hardest skill to find in APAC, poses critical challenges. Partnering with a leading engineering recruitment company like Manpower Vietnam ensures access to qualified talent throught tailored recruitment services, staffing & outsourcing solutions, driving sustainable growth for manufacturers.
Understanding the Engineering recruitment in Vietnam
Vietnam’s manufacturing growth is driving high demand for engineers, but talent shortages persist. To stay competitive, employers must understand the market challenges and adopt effective recruitment strategies.
Engineer recruitment market landscape
Vietnam’s engineering recruitment market is shaped by rapid industrial growth and persistent talent shortages
High Demand: the 31% NEO reflects robust hiring in electronics, automotive, mechanical, logistics and other heavy industries, driven by factory expansions in industrial hubs like Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Binh Duong, Long An, Dong Nai, etc.
Talent Shortages: 77% of employers in Industrials & Materials struggle to find skilled engineers, with engineering ranked as the second hardest skill to recruit in APAC.
Competitive Offers in the market: Engineers expect 5-10% annual salary increases, 25% performance bonuses, and family-inclusive healthcared, as per Salary Guide 2025.
These challenges underscore the need for innovative HR solutions, going beyond job posting packages and recruitment services to deliver more comprehensive, agile and resilient solutions to meet the fluctuating needs of the industry at any time.
Key insights for attracting Engineers
To compete for talent, manufacturers must align their offerings with engineer’s expectations in Vietnam
Compensation: competitive salaries with 5-10% annual increases and performance bonuses up to 25% are critical (Salary Guide 2025).
Non-cash benefits: private healthcare package for family members and flexible work arrangements enhance appeal.
Career Growth: clear career paths and skill development programs boost retention.
Employer Branding: highlighting company values, vision and ESG strategy attracts top-tier talents.
Expert HR like Manpower Vietnam offers market insights to your niche locations and HR consulting services to help manufacturers craft compelling offers, supported by our global data and latest technology.
A guide to choosing the right Engineering recruitment company in Vietnam
Selecting the right recruitment partner is key for manufacturers facing talent shortages. A reliable agency helps you find qualified engineers quickly, ensures compliance, and saves hiring costs. Here are 5 essential criteria to guide your choice:
1. Industry experience & track record
Choose agencies with proven success in engineering and manufacturing recruitment. Their experience means they know your sector’s needs and can deliver results faster.
How to assess:
Ask for track records or case studies in the engineering recruitment.
Verify years of experience in Vietnam and global footprint.
Check if the firm has won industry awards and certifications.
2. Access to wide talent pools
HR agencies with a large, active network of qualified engineers in Vietnam’s key industrial zones (e.g., Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Dong Nai, Binh Duong) can deliver faster and better matches. Wide talent reach is critical for urgent or large-scale hiring.
How to assess:
Inquire about their candidate database and sourcing strategies.
Check their geographic coverage across Vietnam’s industrial hubs.
Request examples of successful high-volume hiring campaigns.
3. Market insights & consulting
A good recruitment partner offers more than just CVs. They provide consulting on salary insights, talent availability, and hiring trends, helping you attract and retain the right candidates in a competitive market.
How to assess:
Request salary benchmark tool or guide and labor market reports.
Ask how they help clients with talent strategy or workforce planning.
Look for examples where their market insights improved hiring outcomes.
4. Service range & flexibility
Your hiring needs may change, from urgent, high-volume recruitment to niche technical roles. The right agency offers flexible services, including permanent recruitment, project-based hiring, and staffing solutions, scaling with your business.
How to assess:
Clarify which services they provide for engineering recruitment.
Inquire how they handle sudden surges in hiring demand.
Ask for examples where they tailored solutions for manufacturers.
5. Speed, candidate quality & fit
Time-to-hire is critical, but quality and cultural fit matter just as much. The best agencies deliver pre-screened, qualified candidates quickly, reducing hiring risks and ensuring long-term success.
How to assess:
Check their average time-to-fill for engineering positions.
Ask about their candidate screening process for technical and soft skills.
Request performance metrics like placement success rates.
Top 5 Engineering recruitment companies in Vietnam
1. Manpower Vietnam
Manpower Vietnam is a trusted recruitment partner for manufacturers in electronics, automotive, mechanical, logistics, semiconductor, textile, and heavy industry, specializing in sourcing top engineering talent. The company offers a comprehensive service portfolio from recruitment, flexible staffing & outsourcing to talent mobility services, and HR consulting.
With around 20 years in Vietnam and 77+ years of global experience, Manpower Vietnam combines data-driven talent strategies with deep local market knowledge. Serving over 2,000 of clients, the firm supports both large-scale hiring and specialist technical roles. Its nationwide presence ensures fast, tailored recruitment solutions for sustainable business growth.
2. Navigos Group
Navigos Group is one of Vietnam’s longest-standing recruitment firms. It owns VietnamWorks, a popular job portal, and Navigos Search for executive hiring.
The company specializes in mid-level engineering and technical positions, working with both local companies and global manufacturers. With years of local expertise and a strong candidate database, Navigos offers fast access to talent across Vietnam, helping businesses fill roles quickly and efficiently.
3. Adecco Vietnam
Adecco Vietnam is a multinational staffing firm, operating through a joint venture between the Swiss-based Adecco Group and local partners. Adecco entered the Vietnamese market in 2011 and has since become a key player in recruitment outsourcing. Adecco offers a wide range of HR services, leveraging its global expertise and local knowledge. It is perfect for enterprises in Vietnam looking to scale their talent acquisition and strategy.
4. Robert Walters Vietnam
Robert Walters Vietnam is known for specialist and executive search in manufacturing and consumer goods industries, focusing on senior-level and leadership positions. With a relationship-driven approach, Robert Walters connects employers with high-quality, passive candidates who may not be actively job seeking but fit strategic business needs.
5. Talentnet Vietnam
Talentnet is a prestigious local HR outsourcing provider in Vietnam, offering comprehensive HR services including recruitment, payroll, compliance, labor management, and customer service support. With over 10 years of experience, Talentnet serves more than 150 international and local companies across various industries.
A case study on Manpower Vietnam’s successful recruitment of qualified engineers
Client challenge
A top-tier engineering and construction company in Vietnam, specializing in large-scale industrial energy projects, faced an urgent need to recruit high-volume(50 fresh graduate engineers) within a short timeline. The roles required candidates with specific qualifications:
Fresh graduates (or <4 years experience)
Engineering-related majors
Basic English proficiency (TOEIC 650+ or IELTS 5.5+)
Willingness to work on-site in Vung Tau
Despite its strong market presence, the client struggled with talent pipeline building, candidate engagement, and lacked resources for high-volume recruitment.
Manpower Vietnam's RPO solution
Manpower Vietnam delivered a full-cycle RPO solution, sourcing fresh engineering talent through targeted outreach and a strong employer branding campaign. A dedicated on-site recruitment team managed screening and coordination, while streamlined processes ensured fast, high-quality hiring. Throughout, candidate experience remained a priority, keeping communication clear and consistent to secure the best-fit hires.
Outcome
All 50 engineering positions were successfully filled on time.
Delivered a shortlist of high-quality candidates matching client criteria (English, technical skills, site mobility).
Enhanced client's employer brand visibility not only among young engineering talent but also with well-known universities and colleges in Vietnam.
Ready to hire top engineers? Fill in the form or contact us today to get expert support to hire the right talent, fast and efficiently, for your next project.