direct hire recruiting for manufacturing
We know manufacturing.
We know people.
O'Connell Recruiting finds skilled trades, technical, and leadership talent for Michigan manufacturers and automotive suppliers. People who fit your plant, your shift, and your culture from day one.
direct hire recruiting for manufacturing
We know manufacturing.
We know people.
O'Connell Recruiting finds skilled trades, technical, and leadership talent for Michigan manufacturers and automotive suppliers. People who fit your plant, your shift, and your culture from day one.
25+
Years in manufacturing operations management
8+
Years of direct hire recruiting
michigan
Home base, serving manufacturers east of the Mississippi
Why O'Connell Recruiting
A recruiter who has run the plant floor.
Pete O'Connell spent 25 years in manufacturing operations management, including as a production manager, hiring and leading maintenance teams, skilled trades, and production crews. He knows the work, speaks the language, and can tell a real tradesperson from a good résumé.
That's why we work as an extension of your team, not a résumé mill. You only meet candidates who match the job, the shift, and the way your plant runs.
We respect your time
No résumé dumps. Every candidate we send has been screened against your job description and expectations.
Culture fit, not just skills
We learn how your plant actually operates, then find people who will thrive there.
We speak the trades
From tool and die to PLC programming, we understand the skills and ask the right questions.
Direct hire, day one
Every placement joins your payroll from day one. No temps, no contract markups.
Our Industries
Skilled people for the industries that keep America moving.
Machining
Automation & Robotics
Die Casting
Foundry
Tool & Die
Stamping & Metal Forming
Plant Maintenance
Automotive Suppliers
Aerospace
Plastics & Consumer Products
Machining
Automation & Robotics
Die Casting
Foundry
Tool & Die
Stamping & Metal Forming
Plant Maintenance
Automotive Suppliers
Aerospace
Plastics & Consumer Products
Culture Fit
Every plant is different.
We hire for yours.
A plant in launch mode runs 50-hour weeks and weekends and needs people who thrive under that pressure. A shop that brings new people along slowly needs someone who wants to learn its process.
We visit client plants, learn how they really operate, and only present candidates who understand the expectations. When the fit is right, people grow: one program manager we placed was promoted to general manager.
Our Process
We handle the search.
You focus on your business.
01
Understand your needs
02
Sourcing & outreach
03
Screening & qualification
04
Present top candidates
05
Interview coordination
06
Follow-up & success
Trusted by automotive suppliers and manufacturers
"Pete helped my company as we launched a new plant by helping us find key team members in a very difficult market. He understands the demands of a manufacturing plant."
Dawn Geoghegan, PHR, SHRM-CP · HR Generalist, Cosma International (Magna)
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring with O'Connell Recruiting
Straight answers for plant managers, HR teams, and owners.
WHAT IS A DIRECT HIRE RECRUITER?
A direct hire recruiter finds candidates who join your company as permanent employees on your payroll from their first day. Unlike temp or temp-to-hire staffing, there are no ongoing agency markups. O'Connell Recruiting is a direct hire recruiter specializing in manufacturing and automotive suppliers.
WHAT POSITIONS DO YOU RECRUIT FOR?
We recruit skilled tradespeople and maintenance (electricians, millwrights, multi-craft techs, tool and die makers), CNC machinists and programmers, robotics and controls technicians, quality and manufacturing engineers, supervisors, and plant leadership.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
Michigan is our primary market. We also support manufacturers east of the Mississippi, including Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama.
HOW DO YOUR FEES WORK?
Our fee is contingent on a successful hire. Contact us to talk through our service agreement and how it fits your opening.
DO YOU WORK WITH JOB SEEKERS?
We recruit on behalf of employers and reach out to candidates directly for client openings, so we don't accept unsolicited résumés through this website.
WHAT IS A DIRECT HIRE RECRUITER?
A direct hire recruiter finds candidates who join your company as permanent employees on your payroll from their first day. Unlike temp or temp-to-hire staffing, there are no ongoing agency markups. O'Connell Recruiting is a direct hire recruiter specializing in manufacturing and automotive suppliers.
WHAT POSITIONS DO YOU RECRUIT FOR?
We recruit skilled tradespeople and maintenance (electricians, millwrights, multi-craft techs, tool and die makers), CNC machinists and programmers, robotics and controls technicians, quality and manufacturing engineers, supervisors, and plant leadership.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
Michigan is our primary market. We also support manufacturers east of the Mississippi, including Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama.
HOW DO YOUR FEES WORK?
Our fee is contingent on a successful hire. Contact us to talk through our service agreement and how it fits your opening.
DO YOU WORK WITH JOB SEEKERS?
We recruit on behalf of employers and reach out to candidates directly for client openings, so we don't accept unsolicited résumés through this website.
Let's Work Together
Have an open position?
Let's build a stronger team.
Direct hire recruiting for manufacturers and automotive suppliers.
Company
Service Area
Michigan, plus Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, and manufacturers east of the Mississippi.
Legal
Contact
We recruit for employers and don't accept unsolicited résumés.
© 2026 O'Connell Recruiting. All rights reserved. Website by Design Squad Media.