Hiring in Engineering and Manufacturing: Guide and Trends in 2026

Strategic hiring and leadership development drive Vietnam’s manufacturing sector in 2026

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s economic growth, with foreign direct investment (FDI) shaping its industrial landscape. In 2026, hiring trends within FDI-backed manufacturing firms reflect strategic workforce planning, evolving talent demands, and resilience amid global uncertainties.

Trang Nguyen, Senior Manager at Robert Walters Vietnam, notes that much of the hiring demand stems from FDI inflows fueling major projects across the country. Northern Vietnam remains a hub for high-tech and electronics manufacturing, with industrial zones in Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh attracting significant investments. Meanwhile, local fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) corporations are increasingly competing with FDI manufacturers for top-tier talent as they modernise supply chains and expand production capabilities.

“FDI companies are taking a more selective approach to headcount expansion,” Trang explains. “Rather than mass recruitment, businesses are prioritising roles that drive operational efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation.”

Read on to learn more about Trang’s insights into Vietnam’s labour market and hiring trends for Engineering & Manufacturing professionals in 2026.

Skills-based hiring takes the stage

As Vietnam strengthens its position in electronics and semiconductor production, technical expertise is becoming increasingly critical. Professionals skilled in automation, robotics, process engineering, and lean manufacturing will be highly sought after. However, employers face challenges finding candidates who meet their requirements or whose salary expectations align with company budgets.

“Many businesses are struggling to find experienced talent who can fulfill their needs,” Trang shares. “This will push companies to focus on retaining and upskilling their existing workforce while adopting a skills-based approach to hiring.”

Employers will prioritize candidates who demonstrate agility, business acumen, and technical proficiency. Leadership roles will require individuals capable of driving operational excellence while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. Bilingual middle managers who can build trusted relationships with headquarters and ensure alignment between local operations and global strategies will also be highly valued.

Leadership development becomes a priority

In 2026, companies will place greater emphasis on developing leadership capabilities among middle and senior management. According to Trang, FDI firms are investing heavily in initiatives such as leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking and cross-cultural management; training in digital literacy; ESG compliance workshops; and enhanced communication training to support organisational transformation.

“These efforts aim to build a resilient leadership pipeline that can navigate complexity while driving long-term growth,” she says.

Industry shifts: R&D evolution and local competition

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is gradually transitioning from pure production activities toward innovation hubs as FDI firms transfer research and development (R&D) functions to the country. This shift typically follows four phases: localisation support for adapting global products to local markets; process optimisation for improving production efficiency; product co-development with global R&D centers; and independent innovation led by advanced Vietnamese R&D teams.

This evolution is driving demand for professionals with strong technical backgrounds who can contribute to product design improvements or lead regional innovation initiatives

At the same time, Vietnam’s leading FMCG corporations—particularly those in food, beverage, and personal care—are ramping up competition for experienced professionals across manufacturing operations and commercial functions. Their ability to offer flexible budgets and assign talent to impactful business roles gives them an edge in attracting top-tier candidates.

Navigating risks while building resilience

Global trade tensions and shifting tariff policies continue to pose risks for Vietnam’s export-driven manufacturing sector. To mitigate disruptions caused by these external factors, FDI companies must remain agile, adapting their supply chains and sourcing strategies to mitigate disruptions.  

Despite short-term challenges like tariff volatility or geopolitical uncertainty, long-term investors remain optimistic about Vietnam’s potential due to its strategic location, increasing quality and productivity, improving regulatory environment, and growing domestic market. Many firms are not only expanding operations but also investing in workforce development programs aimed at enhancing automation capabilities and sustainability efforts.

“Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is poised for strategic growth in 2026,” concludes Trang. “Companies that embrace innovation while prioritising leadership development will be well-positioned to lead the next wave of industrial transformation.”

Find out more 

Request access to our 2026 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in Vietnam.