Top 100 National Laboratory - Niche Recruiting Support Program

QUICK FACTS

Client

National laboratory and federally funded research and development center

Project

Program to address the growing talent needs

Issues

• Need for high-end technology talent with advanced degrees, niche skills and certifications. Talent was required to support work in high volume geographies where supply/demand constraints were a factor.
• The multi-award program procurement method created a highly competitive and time sensitive delivery environment.

Whitridge Solution

• Assessment of existing and forthcoming program requirements and deliverables
• Developed detailed talent acquisition plan
• Created a retention strategy to secure the existing workforce
• Addressed talent gaps and unique needs  
• Developed recruiting strategy and campaign

Key Benefits

• Provided superior, local technology and engineering professionals rapidly
• Operated within defined rate parameters
• Outpaced competition in acquiring and onboarding of required candidates
• Improved retention therefore successfully corrected the attrition curve
• Streamlined the acquisition and onboarding process

Client Situation

The client is a national laboratory and federally funded research and development center supporting cutting edge technology projects for diverse government customers with unique and complex requirements.  The laboratory was chartered to apply advanced technology to problems of national security. Research and development activities focus on long-term technology development as well as rapid system prototyping and demonstration. These efforts are aligned within key mission areas, specifically Space Control, Air & Missile Defense Technology, Communications Systems & Cyber Security, ISR Systems & Technology, Advanced Electronic Technology, Tactical Systems, Homeland Protection and Air Traffic Control.

The Laboratory works with industry to transition new concepts and technology for system development and deployment. As a result, experienced technical professionals at the laboratory have the opportunity to work with unique experimental systems in the field, as well as conduct laboratory investigations and theoretical studies, ranging from fundamental component development to complex system engineering, programming and administration. The client program demands timely delivery of highly skilled, niche cleared technology and engineering talent.  

Issues

• Need for high-end technology talent with advanced degrees, niche skills and certifications. Talent was required to support work in high volume geographies where supply/demand constraints were a factor.
• The multi-award program procurement method created a highly competitive and time sensitive delivery environment.

Our Solution

Whitridge Government Solutions (WGS) collaborated with the client to assess existing and forthcoming program requirements and deliverables for best approaches/practices. A detailed acquisition plan was created and a retention strategy to secure the existing workforce, address talent gaps and unique needs.  

Turning first to our existing consultant pool, the WGS recruiters onboarded a team that exceeded the client’s expectations and address staff continuity. We created a targeted, aggressive recruiting campaign to satisfy additional present and upcoming program needs. Through efficient information and requirements gathering, we were able to build target candidate profiles and create in depth pre-screening and skill qualifying activities.
 

Program Support Example
Principle fields of support include, but were not limited to:

• Advanced Optical Communications Signal Processing and Detection
• Satellite Communications Systems Satellite Location and Tracking
• Adaptive Optics Laser Systems Technology
• Software Development/Scientific
• Machine Intelligence Neural Network Technology
• Solid State Devices Robotics
• Multiprocessor Computer Systems Advanced Air Defense Systems
• Biological and Chemical Detection Radar Systems Development and
• Quality Assurance Signature Analysis
• Decision Support Counterterrorism
• Net-Centric Operations Quantum Information Sciences

Key Benefits

This program is an ongoing success for the client and the Whitridge consultants. We have supported the rapid delivery of highly skilled and sought after talent despite the challenges of limited supply in a highly competitive environment. The success of our delivery mechanism has allowed us to expand our scope to other programs. Our federal and national laboratory community expertise allowed us to effectively support the client’s requirements, providing quality talent with highly specialized skills within stringent rate guidelines.

• Provided superior, local technology and engineering professionals rapidly
• Operated  within defined  rate  parameters
• Outpaced competition in acquiring and onboarding of required candidates
• Improved retention therefore successfully corrected the attrition curve
• Streamlined the acquisition and onboarding process

About Whitridge Associates

Whitridge Associates provides expert talent to a diverse group of technology companies, defense contractors, financial services companies, and healthcare providers throughout the country. With a history of over 22 years of unparalleled service to both our clients and consultants, Whitridge is one of the most highly regarded talent acquisition firms in Greater Boston.

Think Whitridge. Think Success.