The Changing Face of Engineering: Why Soft Skills Are Driving MEP Hiring Decisions

For years, hiring in the MEP industry has centered around technical capability. Software proficiency, code knowledge, system design expertise, load calculations, and licensure have traditionally been the benchmarks firms used to evaluate engineering talent. 

Those technical requirements still matter. But across the industry, there is a noticeable shift happening in how firms define top-performing engineers. Increasingly, hiring managers are placing greater emphasis on communication skills, client interaction, and interpersonal ability alongside technical expertise. 

According to Violet Maxfield, Associate Vice President at LVI Associates, this shift became especially clear during a recent conversation with a VP at a mid-sized engineering firm in California.

At first glance, it may seem unrelated to engineering. But the reasoning behind it was highly intentional. 

What hiring managers are actually looking for 

The client explained that candidates coming from hospitality environments often bring qualities that are becoming increasingly valuable in engineering teams. 

They tend to be professionals who can: 

• Communicate clearly under pressure  
• Stay composed in fast-moving environments  
• Manage difficult conversations professionally  
• Read situations and adapt quickly  
• Build rapport naturally with clients and stakeholders  
• Handle competing priorities without becoming overwhelmed  

For this particular VP, those traits mattered because of how much the engineer’s role within her business had evolved. 

Her team was no longer made up of engineers working quietly behind the scenes with limited client exposure. Instead, engineers were regularly leading conversations with owners, coordinating with architects and contractors, attending site meetings, and representing the company throughout the project lifecycle. 

Violet  explains: 

That distinction reflects a broader trend happening across the MEP industry. 

The shift from technical specialist to trusted advisor 

Engineering has traditionally been viewed as a highly technical profession focused on calculations, design execution, and system performance. 

But many firms are now looking for engineers who can operate as trusted advisors, not just technical contributors. 

Projects are becoming increasingly collaborative and fast-paced. Clients expect more transparency and direct communication. Engineering teams are more integrated with architects, contractors, developers, and ownership groups than ever before. As a result, firms need engineers who are comfortable being visible. 

According to Violet:

This is especially important for firms focused on long-term client relationships and repeat business. Technical delivery still matters. But the overall client experience increasingly matters just as much. 

Communication is no longer a secondary skill 

Historically, communication skills were often viewed as an added bonus within engineering teams. That mindset has shifted significantly. Today, many hiring managers assess communication ability from the very first interview. They pay attention to: 

• How candidates explain technical concepts  
• How they describe project challenges  
• Their ability to simplify complex information  
• Their confidence in conversation  
• Their presence and professionalism  

Violet notes that some candidates struggle despite strong technical backgrounds:

At the same time, candidates with strong interpersonal skills often stand out immediately. That does not mean technical ability matters less. It means firms increasingly expect both. 

Why soft skills experience matters 

One of the more interesting aspects of this shift is the growing emphasis on soft skills alongside technical ability. Hiring managers are paying closer attention to experiences that demonstrate communication, composure, problem-solving, and professionalism under pressure. 

Hospitality experience, particularly in fine dining, is a strong example because it develops skills that transfer directly into modern engineering environments. Professionals in those settings are constantly managing people, resolving issues quickly, and maintaining high standards in fast-paced situations. 

Those same abilities are highly relevant in engineering roles where professionals are expected to: 

• Lead meetings  
• Coordinate teams  
• Handle client concerns  
• Communicate solutions clearly  
• Maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations  

“The client viewed hospitality experience as proof that someone could handle pressure, think quickly, and communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds.” Violet summarizes.  

That perspective reflects how employers are assessing candidates more holistically. Technical knowledge remains essential, but soft skills experience often shapes how effectively someone can collaborate, manage relationships, and operate within demanding project environments. 

What this means for engineers 

For engineers currently exploring opportunities, this shift creates an opportunity to position themselves differently in the market. Technical expertise remains the foundation. But communication, relationship-building, and professionalism are becoming increasingly valuable differentiators. 

Engineers should be highlighting: 

• Client-facing experience  
• Leadership responsibilities  
• Meeting coordination  
• Presentation experience  
• Cross-functional collaboration  
• Stakeholder management  
• Communication strengths  

They should also recognize that experiences outside engineering can strengthen their profile, especially if those experiences demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and strong people skills. 

The future of hiring in MEP 

The MEP industry is continuing to evolve from a purely technical environment into a more relationship-focused one. Engineering expertise remains essential. But firms are increasingly hiring professionals who can combine technical depth with strong communication and client-facing ability. 

According to Violet:

Because while engineering is technical by nature, the business behind it has always been built on people and relationships. 

If you’re an MEP professional considering your next move, now is the time to evaluate how you position yourself in the market. Firms are actively looking for engineers who can bring both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills to the table. 

To learn more about current opportunities in the MEP space, or to discuss where your background fits in today’s market, submit your resume to the LVI Associates team and connect with a specialist recruiter when roles become available.