Singapore's demand for professionals in engineering sector soars

More professionals retrenched during 2009 economic downturn were rehired in the beginning of 2010.

More opportunities for marketing and communications professionals whilst demand for sales and business development professionals remained high, according to Robert Walters in its Quarter 1 Engineering Sector Market Update (Singapore) released on Monday.

Likewise, internal auditors are still highly demanded at all levels in the Engineering sector. This is particularly challenging for roles which require intensive travel. Bilingual candidates who can speak Mandarin or a third language are still in demand due to the shift of manufacturing and assembly operations to low cost locations such as China, Vietnam, India and Thailand.

Employers are currently actively looking for experienced ERP specialists and project managers with salaries ranging between S$100,000 to S$150,000 per annum.

Contract opportunities have also increased in organisations due to changing business conditions.

Furthermore, the Robert Walters expect that demand for HR professionals in 2010 will primarily be at the middle-management level, where the pool of candidates is relatively smaller than those at the junior levels.

Also, there is a continuing demand for “green collar” engineering professionals as companies take steps to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.