What “good” engineering recruitment actually looks like in 2026
Most engineering leaders will say the same thing when asked about recruitment: “We’re not short of CVs
A technology talent partner for organisations and individuals who want to get it right
Based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, Octagon Group is a trusted partner of choice for organisations where hiring decisions directly affect delivery, quality and long-term success.
Since 2018, we have been a technology specialist recruitment agency focused on technology and engineering markets, supporting companies and professionals across the UK, USA and Europe. Our role is simple to explain, but hard to do well:
Connect organisations with people who can actually deliver, and help individuals build careers where their skills make a real impact.
Who we work with
We partner with companies that are building the future: innovators in aerospace, semiconductor design, medical devices, defence, power electronics, photonics, advanced manufacturing and more. Our work spans permanent, contract and retained hiring, with particular depth in:
Engineering recruitment specialists
across R&D, manufacturing and operations
across R&D, manufacturing and operations
Electronics hardware recruitment
and embedded systems
and embedded systems
R&D recruitment specialists
supporting innovation and product development
supporting innovation and product development
Manufacturing recruitment specialists across production, quality, supply chain and leadership
Technical and commercial roles supporting growth and delivery
Whether you’re building a team or looking for your next role, our focus is always on alignment, not volume.
Our mission
The world is changing, and we exist to empower that change.
At Octagon, we partner with technology and engineering businesses to build the teams behind innovation. We challenge the status quo in talent delivery, creating meaningful opportunities and lasting impact, one person, one role, one project at a time.
It’s not just about recruitment. It’s about enabling progress.
How we do recruitment at Octagon Group
Every great technology business is built twice: first in the minds of its founders, and then by the people who turn ideas into reality.
That belief shapes how we approach recruitment.
Rather than operating as generalists, each consultant at Octagon focuses on a single technical vertical. That means we understand your industry, speak the same technical language, and know where relevant talent sits, including professionals who aren’t actively applying to job boards.
For clients, this results in:
- better shortlists
- faster, more focused hiring processes
- reduced risk of mis-hires
For candidates, this means:
- working with recruiters who understand your skills
- roles that fit your experience and ambitions
- honest conversations and long-term support
Meet our team
Talent Director / Co-Founder
Steve Bernat
Specialisms
Contract Engineering
Fun Fact
I’m a qualified ski instructor and the best skier in the office (debatable)
Talent Director / Co-Founder
Bhav Patel
Specialisms
RF, Power and Semiconductor Tech
Fun Fact
Fitness & endurance enthusiast (marathon, triathlon, cross-fit). LFC obsessed. Loves Santa Monica.
Head of Talent
Dale Barnett
Specialisms
Manufacturing & Ops
Fun Fact
I can recite every word to Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings
Senior Talent Partner
Keelan Riley
Specialisms
Aerospace & Defence
Fun Fact
Spent two years in New Zealand, selling adrenaline-fueled activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, helicopter glacier tours, and canyoning.
Talent Partner
Adam Barnett
Specialisms
Power Electronics
Fun Fact
I’ve recently taken up golf again after many years and I am consistently getting worse.
Talent Partner
Chloe Edwards
Specialisms
Medical & Life Sciences Technology
Fun Fact
Chloe never broke a bone and absolutely adores her 3-year-old Labrador
Senior Talent Partner
Scott Newcomen
Specialisms
R&D / Engineering
Fun Fact
Loves Arsenal and golf alongside his ‘other career’... being a Pokémon Go trainer. Safe to say, he's always chasing wins, birdies, and rare catches!
Talent Partner
Jennifer Seress
Specialisms
Fire, Safety & Securities
Fun Fact
Very nearly an Olympic swimmer before giving it all up for a life in Recruitment #JustKeepSwimming
Senior Talent Partner
Tarah Williams
Specialisms
Optical & Photonics
Fun Fact
I was born without an appendix... 1 in 100,000 people are born without one!
Senior Talent Partner
Shammi Choudhury
Specialisms
Contract Engineering
Fun Fact
A car enthusiast who could probably list the cars she's had better than most people could describe their pet... sounds like she names all her cars!
Financial Director (Non-Exec)
Stewart Roberts
Marketing & Ops Lead
Ksenia Molodych
Specialisms
Marketing & Operations
Fun Fact
Lived in 5 countries and speaks 4 languages (learning the 5th)
What does a specialist technical recruiter do?
A technical recruiter’s job goes far beyond matching keywords on a CV.
At Octagon Group, our team members:
- understand the work behind the job title
- assess how skills translate into real delivery
- evaluate cultural and team fit
- support both sides through the full hiring process
This is why our clients don’t just see us as recruiters but as trusted advisors.
A global perspective, local expertise
We support UK, USA and Europe recruitment, working with organisations operating locally and internationally.
If you’re searching for engineering recruiters near me (UK), you’ll find local market understanding combined with international reach, which is particularly valuable for businesses scaling across borders or accessing specialist talent pools.
Let’s move forward together
At Octagon Group, our consultants don’t just fill roles.
They build partnerships, solve workforce challenges and help companies and professionals grow.
Whether you’re hiring, planning ahead or exploring your next step, we’re ready to help.
Fill the form below, or simply email us at info@octagongroup.co.uk or call at 01525 306 225.
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