...and why it might be the smartest move they make
Karsten Thomsen Nedergaard
Sales director, PS Engineering
In the technical industries where delays cost millions, compliance is non-negotiable, and talent is increasingly scarce, one thing is clear: the future of engineering is flexible. Interim engineers are no longer a temporary fix—they’re a strategic asset for project-critical teams.
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From Long-Term Hires to Fit-for-Purpose Expertise
Heavy and technical industries—from wind and marine to cement, pharma, and power-to-x—are under pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and with leaner teams. Traditional hiring models often fall short, especially when facing tight timelines, shifting scopes, or niche technology requirements.
That’s why a growing number of project managers and executives are turning to interim engineers: specialists who step in when and where they’re needed. Whether it’s for a 6-month technical documentation task or a 12-month R&D phase, interim engineers offer immediate value without the long-term commitment.
In fact, 64% of employers plan to increase their use of contract professionals (altLINE) , reflecting a clear shift toward more agile, project-based staffing across the engineering sector.
Why interim engineering is gaining ground
Here’s why decision-makers across sectors like aquaculture, pharma, pulp and paper, and renewable energy are building interim capacity into their project strategy:
1. Industry expertise—deployed on demand
Interim engineers are not generalists. They are specialists with deep domain knowledge. Having the right provider of interim engineers means access to experts with years of experience relevant to your exact industry and needs. They understand your challenges because they’ve solved them before.
Need someone to manage project management for a PtX project? Oversee 2D/3D design for a new power plant? Or document machine safety in a pharma facility? With interim support, you get plug-and-play expertise from day one.
2. Accelerated project execution
Instead of spending months recruiting, onboarding, and ramping up new hires, interim professionals allow project teams to move immediately into execution, keeping installations, upgrades, and commissioning on schedule and on budget.
3. Adaptability in volatile markets
Global supply chains remain unstable. Regulatory demands are increasing. And digital technologies—from automation and robotics to AI are changing how projects are executed.
With interim engineering, you gain the agility to respond to these shifting demands. Whether your project needs change midstream or a new requirement emerges, interim professionals provide the flexibility to scale your team up or down as needed—without compromising project outcomes.
4. Optimised Cost, Without Compromise
Hiring permanent staff for project-based roles can be costly and may not be sustainable during industry slowdowns. Interim engineering is cost-efficient: you pay for the expertise you need, when you need it, and avoid long-term overhead.
The bottom line: Interim engineers are a strategic ressource
The use of interim engineers in the technical industries will only continue to rise. Why? Because interim models align with today’s cyclical, fast-paced project environments
For project managers, this means faster delivery with fewer delays. For C-level executives, it means access to top-tier talent without inflating your organisation’s labour costs.
Where We Fit In
At Plant Supervision Engineering, we deliver senior interim engineers and project managers to some of the most demanding industries worldwide. Whether you need support within electrical design, hardware/software development, automation, 2D/3D construction, or safety documentation—we match you with professionals who’ve done it all before.
Contact us
Are you facing tight deadlines? A temporary gap in your engineering team? Or simply want to explore a more agile hiring strategy?
We’re here to help. Let’s discuss how interim engineers can strengthen your next project.
