At Ricaurte Precision, our commitment to delivering the highest quality products and experiences for our customers boils down to one major factor: our team.
Hiring and retaining the right people is a non-negotiable here at RPI; that’s why we’ve introduced and implemented a thorough hiring process and a rigorous approach to onboarding and training. In an industry where precision and efficiency are everything, we’re focused on hiring individuals who bring technical expertise and a passion for excellence and continuous improvement.
Here’s a closer look at how we cultivate a team that supports our precision machining company’s operations and why this approach translates to measurable results for our customers.
The Challenge: Finding (the Right!) Manufacturing Talent
The manufacturing sector, especially contract manufacturing, faces a unique hiring landscape. Across the country, manufacturers grapple with attracting and retaining talent, due to a lack of direct, hands-on education in trades at the high school and junior college levels. This gap in education leaves manufacturers struggling to find well-prepared candidates who not only possess the technical know-how but also the soft skills—such as communication and problem-solving—that are vital to success in a fast-paced precision machining environment.
Beyond Standard Hiring Practices: RPI’s Approach
Partnerships with Local Higher Ed Institutions
At RPI, we tackle hiring challenges head-on by partnering with local colleges and training programs to bridge the gap. From internships and apprenticeships to entry-level machinist jobs, we’re helping equip the next generation with the skills they need to succeed. At the same time, we’re building a talent pipeline that aligns with our values. These initiatives aren’t just about filling positions—they’re about finding young, passionate manufacturing professionals and offering them the experience and skills they need to thrive in this business and at RPI.
Connection and Outreach
Beyond building educational partnerships, RPI actively engages with potential talent in the community. Rather than going through recruiters, our leaders focus on building connections at job fairs, hosting presentations at junior colleges, and bringing real-world perspectives on contract manufacturing into the classroom. We want prospective employees to see exactly what’s involved in modern precision machining and what it means to be part of an innovative team.
Purposeful Hiring
At RPI, we aren’t looking for button-pushers or coasters. We intentionally seek out individuals with intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning and process improvement. In addition, we look for strong communicators, as collaboration is a major contributor to our (and our customers’) success.
We are highly selective about who we bring on board. Our rigorous interview process emphasizes problem-solving and adaptability. We even test candidates’ ability to navigate technological solutions—not their skills with the platforms, per se, but their willingness to embrace a high-tech environment.
Trial Periods
Before we bring someone on full-time, we’ll often offer trial periods to potential hires so they can get a feel for how we do things here at RPI. This approach helps both the candidate and our team determine if the partnership is the right fit early on and setting the stage for long-term success.
Our Winning Hand: Employee Referrals
Who knows more about what kind of person is well-suited to the job than the ones doing it themselves? A large percentage of our hires come directly through employee referrals. This practice ensures we bring on new team members who align with our company culture and understand our work environment.
Emphasis on Retention
Retaining top talent is just as—if not more—important than attracting new team members. That’s why we invest energy and resources into ensuring that RPI is a great place to work. We recognize every individual’s strengths and offer them a modern, innovative culture and work environment that makes them eager to come to work every day. By prioritizing employee satisfaction, we ensure that our team remains motivated to deliver exceptional results.
The Customer Impact: Why Our Hiring Practices Matter
Our thoughtful hiring and rigorous onboarding processes don’t just benefit the people at RPI; they directly impact our customers. Because every RPI team member is thoroughly vetted and cross-trained, our customers experience a consistent level of quality and reliability. In addition, our emphasis on hiring strong communicators means our customers are getting the care and attention they deserve.
Our customers’ standards are not a high bar; they’re the entry point. Our hiring philosophy at RPI is about building a team of professionals who are committed to going above and beyond in exceeding our customers’ expectations every time.
If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, innovative team, check out our career openings.
Or, if you’d like to partner with RPI for cutting-edge precision machining services, request a quote to get started.
