Hire the way that fits the work.
Contract, contract to hire, direct hire, or an FDE hub. Pick the one that matches how long the work lasts and whether you want to keep the capability in house.
The four hiring options
Contract
An FDE embedded in your team for the length of the work. Best when you have a defined program and need the skills now, without adding headcount.
- You direct the work day to day
- Billed for time worked
- Extend or end as the work changes
Contract to hire
Start on contract, then hire the engineer onto your team. Best when you want a permanent forward deployed capability and want to see the fit first.
- Work together before committing
- Conversion terms agreed up front
- Keeps the knowledge in house
Direct hire
We find the engineer. You employ them from day one. Best when you are building an FDE team of your own and need help finding the people.
- Your employee from the first day
- One placement fee
- We run the search and first screens
FDE hub
A deployment strategist and a small team of engineers. Best when the work needs business and engineering skills at once, with one point of accountability.
- Strategist plus two or more engineers
- Sized to the problem
- One team, one plan
Side by side
The four options compared
| Contract | Contract to hire | Direct hire | FDE hub | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who employs the engineer | Engaged through FastFDE | FastFDE, then you | You, from day one | Engaged through FastFDE |
| Who directs the work | You | You | You | The hub's deployment strategist, with you |
| How it is charged | Time worked | Time worked, then a conversion fee | One placement fee | A rate for the team |
| Best when | A defined program, skills needed now | You want to keep the engineer if it works | You are building your own FDE team | The work needs business and engineering skills at once |
How much does it cost?
It depends on the role, seniority, location and hiring option. We agree rates or fees with you before you interview anyone, so there are no surprises.
Can a contract engineer join us permanently later?
Yes. That is what contract to hire is for. The conversion terms are agreed at the start.
Who employs the engineer on a contract?
On a contract, the engineer is engaged through FastFDE and works under your direction. On a direct hire, they are your employee from the first day.
What is the difference between hiring several FDEs and an FDE hub?
Several FDEs join your team as individuals and report into your managers. An FDE hub arrives as a unit, led by a deployment strategist, with one plan and one point of contact.
Hire FDEs
Tell us the problem. We will match the engineers.
Someone who understands forward deployed work reads every brief and replies with a view on the engineers you need, how many, and the hiring option that fits.