Part of Tecnova's RFP evaluation series -- helping businesses address vendor selection with confidence
There are many key performance indicators that can shed light on an engineering or manufacturing vendor’s ability to meet expectations put forth in their proposals and ensure overall project success. When evaluating an RFP from a potential project partner, one KPI is the skill and experience of the staff who will be executing the work. While a vendor’s junior engineers can do many lower-level tasks, it is important that senior engineers are on staff to do a significant amount of the work.
What Senior-level Experience Provides
Engineering and manufacturing projects often contain requirements and specifications that are complex with multiple contingencies and parameters. To be able to deliver effectively and efficiently, the abilities of a senior-level staff person are often required.
Analysis. Senior staff members have histories of past projects. They know what works and what doesn’t work. They can identify potential pitfalls to avoid, as well as cost-savings opportunities to aim for.
Power. They have the authority to manage and direct employees and processes. This means they can delegate and combine resources to ensure the project runs on time and on budget.
Cost accuracy. Senior engineers have more experience to draw from when it comes to project costs and unexpected expenses. They know how to decisions regarding performance and quality, without putting a project at risk with inferior parts or processes. They also have budget authority so they can invest in the resources needed to keep the project on track.
Quality control. Moreover, a manufacturing or engineering vendor with senior-level experience is able to ensure quality control. They know how finished solutions are supposed to perform. They know what can go wrong throughout the lifecycle, and they are equipped to address existing or potential issues.
What Senior-Level Experience Looks Like
Senior engineers have more than just years on the job. They qualify as senior-level staff with other qualities that are easy to spot:
- Strong analytical aptitude. They are naturally inquisitive and can solve problems.
- Attention to detail. They are attuned to the slightest error or oversight that can derail an entire project.
- Excellent communications skills. They are able to articulate issues and provide clear solutions.
- Solid technical skills. They simply know what they’re doing – and why.
Ensuring your engineering or manufacturing vendor will be able to meet and exceed the promises of the proposal is imperative to project success. For more insights on evaluating RFPs in engineering or manufacturing, download our RFP Evaluation Guide.
