Are you a chief technology officer, VP of Engineering, or head of talent trying to strengthen your leadership bench in Chicago or the Midwest? Onboard Recruiting Partners helps engineering-led teams recruit senior leaders and key functional roles. Based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, we serve growing companies nationwide, with a focus on leadership and critical engineering functions that align with your growth plan.
Founder Chris Masson brings more than 25 years of hands-on management experience from corporate settings (Sherwin-Williams, AkzoNobel) and entrepreneurship. In our experience, searches that start with a clear understanding of your business outcomes produce hires who stay and drive measurable impact. Learn more about the firm’s background and philosophy on the Onboard Recruiting Partners About page.
What Sets This Approach to Chicago Engineering Recruitment Apart
Most engineering searches stall when they move too fast or prioritize resume volume over fit. This Chicago Engineering Recruitment approach begins with internal questions: What kind of leader does this team need now? What does success look like in the first year? Where does this role sit in our growth plan?
We work through those questions with clients before sourcing begins. The retained model creates a focused, long-term partnership to find the right person, not just the fastest candidate. That alignment yields hires who integrate well, lead confidently, and stay long-term.
Engineering Roles Filled Through Chicago Engineering Recruitment
Onboard Recruiting Partners focuses on leadership and key functional positions. For engineering-focused clients, typical roles include:
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Engineering Manager
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Operations Manager
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Regional Manager
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Director-level and above technical leadership
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C-Suite roles with operational or engineering emphasis
Beyond engineering, the firm fills roles across Human Resources, marketing, operations, and merchant functions, making it a steady partner for building out a complete leadership team. Explore the complete picture on the industries and functional expertise overview.
Markets We Serve
Chicago Engineering Recruitment through Onboard Recruiting Partners is built for growth-focused, leadership-driven environments. Our typical clients are:
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Mid-sized companies
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Growth-focused organizations
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Private companies
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Corporate teams expanding leadership
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Entrepreneurial businesses
We often work with organizations in the 50 to 500 employee range that are actively strengthening their leadership bench and lack internal capacity for rigorous senior searches. Learn more about how we support employers seeking strategic hiring at employers seeking strategic hiring support.
Positions We Help Clients Hire with Confidence
Across all functional areas, Onboard Recruiting Partners places candidates in roles such as:
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C-Suite
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Director of Human Resources
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Human Resources Manager
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Talent Acquisition Leader
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Marketing Director
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Brand Marketing Manager
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Engineering Manager
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Operations Manager
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Divisional Merchant Manager
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Category Manager / Buyer
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Regional Manager
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District Manager
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Store Manager
A Retained Model Built for Chicago Engineering Recruitment
The retained model brings discipline to engineering searches. Chris Masson personally leads each engagement, ensuring the person who understands your business also conducts the search. No handoffs, no junior staff, and no volume-driven compromises.
That approach emphasizes honest conversation and rigorous evaluation of fit, leadership style, team dynamics, and long-term cultural alignment. The goal is to place someone who strengthens your team for years to come. You can connect with the team on LinkedIn to gauge the firm’s work and values before reaching out.
If your organization needs a precise, results-focused engineering hire, Onboard Recruiting Partners is ready to discuss your challenge. Visit the Onboard Recruiting Partners homepage to learn more about the retained search model and how it applies to your hiring plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicago Engineering Recruitment, and how does Onboard Recruiting Partners approach it?
Chicago Engineering Recruitment involves identifying, vetting, and placing experienced engineering leaders and managers at growing companies with Chicago/Midwest ties. We use a retained executive search model, limited concurrent searches with a structured discovery process to understand team, culture, and growth priorities before sourcing begins.
Does Onboard Recruiting Partners only work with companies based in Chicago?
No. While headquartered in Rochester Hills, MI, we serve national clients. Companies across the United States, including Chicago and the Midwest, rely on us for engineering, HR, marketing, operations, and merchant leadership searches. Geography does not limit our ability to run thorough searches.
What types of engineering roles does the firm help fill?
We focus on leadership and key functional positions rather than high-volume or entry-level hiring. Typical engineering roles include Engineering Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, and director-level or C-Suite roles with technical/operational emphasis. We evaluate candidates for leadership, communication, and long-term fit.
Why use a retained search firm for engineering recruitment rather than posting a job listing?
A retained search provides access to a broader pool, including professionals who are employed and open to the right opportunity. More importantly, a retained firm does upfront internal alignment, helping clients define needs before contacting candidates. This preparation leads to better decisions and stronger hires over time.
What size of company is best suited to work with Onboard Recruiting Partners?
Growth-stage companies typically in the 50 to 500 employee range that are building or refining leadership teams benefit most. We act as a dedicated search partner with a stake in hire quality and longevity.
How is Onboard Recruiting Partners different from other recruiting firms that handle Chicago Engineering Recruitment?
We operate on a retained model, not contingency, aligning our success with long-term hires. Founder Chris Masson personally leads every search, bringing 25+ years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience. The boutique setup means clients work directly with the expert from first conversation to offers.