What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Associate, Engineering & Construction position at SkyWater Search Partners?
- Job Tag:
- Posted: April 08,2026
This is a unique opportunity to step into an established and evolving market with an existing book of business, while also having the autonomy to build, grow, and shape your own niche within the Engineering & Construction space.
You will play a key role in driving growth through a combination of client development (50%) and recruiting candidates (50%).
About SkyWater Search Partners
SkyWater Search Partners has been consistently ranked the #1 Executive Search firm in Minnesota by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and Forbes. We place more professionals in full-time positions than any other Minnesota-based search firm.
We have also earned multiple Best Place to Work awards, as voted by our employees, and pride ourselves on offering a high-performance, relationship-driven culture. Every individual runs a full desk with a focus on results—not activity metrics. We believe in autonomy, accountability, and being true talent partners to our clients.
What Sets Us Apart
- Unlimited Earning Potential– We offer one of the most competitive compensation structures in the market, including a strong base salary and uncapped commission—giving you the opportunity to earn as much as you’re driven to achieve.
- Technology & Marketing Tools – Every recruiter is equipped with a LinkedIn Recruiter license and a fully integrated Bullhorn ATS. Our in-house marketing team supports personal branding and provides professional-grade pitch materials to elevate your outreach.
- Training & Mentorship – We invest heavily in your success through hands-on training with your manager and team, a structured onboarding program, assigned mentors, monthly company-wide trainings, and an open-door policy for ongoing support.
- Referred Revenue Opportunities– Collaboration is core to our success. You’ll be eligible to earn commission on revenue you refer across the organization.
- Flexibility– We offer a hybrid work model with coordinated in-office days, unlimited PTO, and a high-trust environment that promotes autonomy and accountability.
- Culture– Our culture is authentic, collaborative, and fun. From quarterly meetings and happy hours to holiday parties, summer boat cruises, and family events, we prioritize connection. We also give back through community initiatives such as Feed My Starving Children, Adopt a Highway, and Smile Network.
- Build and manage a full desk, focusing on both client development and candidate recruitment - Recruit and place high-level professionals across manufacturing and construction organizations - Develop and execute strategic recruiting plans using both traditional and creative sourcing methods - Establish and grow relationships with new and existing clients as a trusted advisor - Leverage internal referral networks to drive additional revenue opportunities - Contribute to the growth of the practice, with opportunity to mentor and build a team in the future
- Experience in recruiting, sales, or a client-facing professional role - Strong business development mindset with the ability to build and maintain relationships - Entrepreneurial drive with a desire to grow a book of business - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - High level of initiative, accountability, and problem-solving ability - Professional presence with the ability to engage with executive-level clients - Ability to manage confidential information with discretion - Comfort operating in a very autonomous environment,