Engineering staffing alternative
A Better Alternative to Engineering Staffing Agencies
Traditional staffing agencies send rotating contractors with variable quality. We provide dedicated, pre-vetted LATAM specialists who embed into your AEC team – with 50–70% cost savings and month-to-month flexibility.
The AEC capacity crisis
US firms aren't just short-staffed — they're turning down profitable work. The question isn't whether to add capacity, but how fast you can do it.
94%
of AEC firms have unfilled engineering and design positions
AGC 2025 / ACEC Q4 2025
51%
of firms are turning down profitable projects due to staffing gaps
ACEC Q4 2025
62%
specifically struggle with BIM and digital documentation talent
ACEC Q4 2025
The Limitations of Traditional Staffing
Engineering staffing agencies serve an important function – but for many US firms, the traditional model creates more friction than it solves.
Rotating assignments
Traditional staffing agencies send different people for different projects. You re-train every time.
Variable quality
Staffing pools are broad, not deep. The BIM coordinator you get may not specialize in your discipline.
Markup-heavy pricing
Agencies layer 30–50% markup on top of the specialist's rate. You're paying for their overhead, not your talent.
Limited vetting
Most agencies verify resumes and check references. Few run technical assessments or evaluate deliverable quality.
No ongoing support
Once placed, you're on your own. Performance issues? That's your problem to solve.
Geographic constraints
Traditional agencies source locally, limiting the talent pool and keeping costs high.
The Alternative: Dedicated LATAM AEC Specialists
Instead of rotating contractors from a staffing pool, work with a dedicated specialist who knows your tools, standards, and team – exclusively.
Dedicated specialists
The same person works exclusively on your projects. They learn your standards, tools, and preferences.
Pre-vetted for your discipline
Our 5-stage vetting includes role-specific technical assessments. A BIM coordinator we present has passed a Navisworks clash detection exercise.
50–70% cost savings
LATAM-based specialists provide US-quality output at significantly lower rates. No staffing agency markup.
Free replacement guarantee
If someone isn't the right fit, we replace them at no cost. Anytime for monthly engagements.
US timezone overlap
0–3 hour timezone difference means real-time collaboration during your business hours.
Month-to-month flexibility
No long-term contracts. Scale up for project surges, scale down in quieter periods.
Cost Comparison: Staffing Agency vs. Dedicated LATAM Specialist
Traditional staffing agencies layer 30–50% markup on hourly rates. Our model eliminates that overhead entirely.
| Traditional Staffing Agency | LatAm Scalers | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical hourly cost | $50–$80+/hr | ~$20–22/hr |
| Monthly cost (FT, 40h/wk) | $8,000–$14,000+/mo | From ~$3,500/mo |
| Agency markup | 30–50% on top of rate | None |
| Commitment | Contract-dependent | Month-to-month |
| Replacement guarantee | Varies / additional cost | Free, anytime |
| Time to placement | 18+ days average | <1 week |
AEC Roles We Provide
Specialists vetted for specific AEC disciplines – not generalists from a broad staffing pool.
BIM Coordinators
Navisworks, ACC, BIM 360 · Clash detection · Model coordination
From ~$3,500/mo →
CAD Drafters
AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D · Construction documentation · Detailing
From ~$3,500/mo →
MEP Modelers
Revit MEP · HVAC, electrical, plumbing · Fabrication models
From ~$3,500/mo →
Revit Drafters
Revit families, sheets, views · Construction sets · As-builts
View role →
Architectural Designers
Revit · Design development · CD sets · 3D visualization
View role →
All AEC Roles
Browse the full range of AEC specialists we provide
Explore AEC solutions →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LatAm Scalers an engineering staffing agency?
No – and that's intentional. We don't operate a staffing pool or send rotating contractors. We provide dedicated, pre-vetted LATAM specialists who embed into your team on a month-to-month basis. You get the predictability of a full-time hire with the flexibility of a contractor.
Can LATAM specialists work with our US project standards?
Yes. Our AEC specialists are trained in US construction documentation standards, use the same tools (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, ACC, BIM 360), and are evaluated against US deliverable quality benchmarks during vetting.
What if we need someone with specific BEP or coordination matrix experience?
Tell us your BEP requirements during scoping. We match specialists who have worked with similar execution plans and coordination matrices. If your standards are unique, we ensure candidates can demonstrate adaptability.
How does this compare in cost to a traditional staffing agency?
Traditional US engineering staffing agencies typically charge $50–$80+/hour. Our dedicated AEC specialists start at approximately $3,500/month for full-time (40h/week), which translates to roughly $20–22/hour – a 50–70% reduction.
Do your specialists handle design decisions or stamping?
No. Your dedicated specialist produces work under the direction of your licensed professionals. You retain full design authority, decision-making, and stamping responsibility. They handle execution – coordination, modeling, drafting – within the scope you define.
Stop Turning Down Work — Add AEC Capacity This Week
You've turned down projects because your team is at capacity. What if you could add a vetted BIM specialist, CAD drafter, or MEP modeler in under one week — and keep that revenue?
50–70% savings · Month-to-month · Free replacement guarantee
Get in touch
Tell Us About Your AEC Needs
Share your project scope, tools, and timeline – we'll match you with pre-vetted AEC specialists.
Get in Touch
Send us a message with your requirements, or book a quick scoping call — whatever works best for you.
Matched in under one week
Vetted shortlist in 48 hours
Month-to-month, no lock-in
Scale up or pause anytime
Free replacement guarantee
We fix the fit — at no cost
50–70% cost savings
<3% pass our vetting
Your request is in good hands.
Here's what happens next:
Confirmation & scoping
We'll reach out within a few hours to confirm receipt and clarify any details.
Vetted shortlist in 48h
We'll present 1–3 pre-vetted specialists matched to your tools, standards, and timeline.
Start within 1 week
Meet top matches for a fit check — or skip interviews and start immediately.
Want to speed things up?
Book a scoping call now and we can start matching during the call.