Engineering the Future: Key Engineering Workforce Shifts Shaping 2026

Trend #3: Clean Energy Transition

Though 2025 saw new restrictions and a rollback in clean energy tax credits, renewables still accounted for 93% of the additions to U.S. capacity growth. New advancements will continue to grow the market for years to come, with the production of small modular reactors (SMRs) and modular battery storage systems expected to have a big impact on the clean energy sector. The market for modular storage is projected to triple by 2033, while the SMR sector is expected to grow by thirtyfold in the next decade.

The beginning of 2026 is likely to be a particularly busy time for sustainable engineering initiatives. As companies rush to capture remaining clean energy tax credits, some experts believe the first half of the year will see an acceleration of near-term deployment for clean energy projects.

Next Steps

Ensure you have sustainability-driven engineering talent who can lead the clean energy shift with agility. Actalent provides access to engineers advancing solar, wind, grid modernization and EV infrastructure across the country.

Trend #4: Domestic Manufacturing

The threat of tariffs and long-running supply chain breakdowns have made outsourcing manufacturing increasingly expensive and unreliable. In response, the U.S. has moved to reshore many manufacturing capabilities, including semiconductor fabs, EVs and advanced manufacturing hubs.

To meet these new demands, companies will need to invest in talent with experience in logistics planning, quality engineering, materials handling systems engineering, construction management and more.

Next Steps

In addition to employing engineers with traditional manufacturing experience, source engineers who can modernize production quickly through digital and automated systems. Actalent supports advanced manufacturing with engineers skilled in automation, robotics and systems integration to enable reshoring and facility expansion.

Evolve Your Engineering Talent Strategy

The old model of hiring can’t keep up with the current rate of technological change. Traditional job titles are no longer a reliable shorthand for understanding the scope of a candidate’s expertise. Instead, hiring managers should focus on a candidate’s skills and cross-disciplinary capabilities.

Look for candidates with hard skills such as proficiency in design and modeling tools (MATLAB, etc.) along with a background in data analytics, coding and automation systems. But don’t overlook a candidate’s soft skills — adaptability and communication will be crucial for success in 2026.

While sourcing new talent, don’t neglect your current employees. Implementing upskilling initiatives for your existing workforces will be key to keeping pace with the changing demands of the industry. And, with fierce competition for engineering candidates, upskilling internally lessens your reliance on a tight hiring market.

But full-time hires aren’t your only options. Partner with Actalent to find contract engineering talent that can help fill skill gaps within your workforce and allow you to ramp up capabilities.

Lead the Evolution of Engineering with Actalent

Actalent partners with engineering firms across industries to meet complex workforce and innovation challenges. Our deep expertise in specialized engineering roles can help connect you with skilled professionals who combine technical precision and in-demand specialized experience.

We support a wide range of industries through engineering solutions, including:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Consumer and Industrial Products
• Life Sciences
• Transportation
• Utilities and Construction
• Semiconductor

Contact us to begin finding engineering talent for 2026 and beyond.