Best way to find a hardware engineer in Australia

[Mangozac]

Hi guys,

We're a Queensland, Australia electronics design and manufacturing business and need to expand our very small team with an additional hardware design engineer. Circuit design, board layout, mechanical layout, etc. Probably the odd bit of firmware as well. I don't need years of experience, but definitely someone who is passionate and has "The Knack".

What's the best way to find such a person? In the past advertising seemed to just net loads of foreigners looking for visas (which I don't have a problem with but having done it in the past is not a path I want to go down this time). I've been in touch with the local universities seeing if I can nab any bright graduates but overall the levels of experience are just too low for what I need.

Where do I find the hardware engineers?!

[bdunham7]

I'm genuinely trying to be helpful here, so please don't be offended.  You have 2 choices:

1. Grow your own or,

2. Pay up.

I recommend #1.  If you have pressing short term needs, consider a contract consultant if you can. 

[Mangozac]

Nothing in your post to be offended about! By grow your own, you mean taking in a graduate? That's the angle I've been trying of late but being outside of the city makes them hard to attract.

[jord4231]

Ahh wrong state sounds right up my ally

[maciekkuba]

@Mangozac Would you consider remote contractor? I am currently looking for new project. I am staying in Sydney so communication wouldn't be a problem. I have few years of experience in analog and digital circuit/PCB design and firmware development.

[ucanel]

...
In the past advertising seemed to just net loads of foreigners looking for visas (which I don't have a problem with but having done it in the past is not a path I want to go down this time).
...

I am in  if there is a visa.
Just kidding.
But if you would like to support me for a EEE master degree
I can work as an EEE in return.
I am a software hardware R&D engineer for 5 years.

Just an opinion.