How to work effectively with consulting engineers
Understand the reasons for contracting with an engineer rather than hiring.
There are some inherent frustrations caused by working with someone who is new to your organisation and works independently. Engineering consultants are often experts in their field. An engineer who works by contract must be organised, excellent at problem solving and have a good track record.
Engineering Consultants are hired and paid for delivering a completed project. An engineer will have greater incentive to complete a project within a specified length of time. These engineers are especially motivated to deliver quality work.
Consulting engineers bring fresh ideas and experience into the equation. Studies have shown that changing teams and infusing a company with new talent can make them solve problems more productively. Your consulting engineer may have different Ideas than the company generally uses, and that might be a good thing.
Communicate frequently and personally.
Consultants often have more than 1 project, so you should call the engineer when you need to speak, in order to be more efficient and let them know you have something to discuss.
Make your importance on the project known, if you are the main contact. It is your job to come forward, suggest ways to meet, communicate and work together effectively, since this person has most likely had contact with many different people in the company.