The hardest part of outsourcing isn't finding engineers. It's picking the right engagement model. The wrong model creates friction that compounds for months. Here's how to think about it.
1. How well-defined is the work?
If you can write a one-page brief with clear acceptance criteria, project-based outsourcing fits. If the work changes weekly based on user feedback or business strategy, you want a dedicated squad or staff augmentation. Fixed scope only works if scope is genuinely fixed.
2. Do you have an in-house engineering lead?
If yes, staff augmentation is usually the right fit. Your lead directs the work; the augmented engineers ship under that direction. If no, you want a dedicated squad with an embedded tech lead, or a project-based engagement where the vendor handles all technical decisions.
3. Is the work core to your business?
Core differentiating work (your main product, your unique algorithms, your secret sauce) should be owned in-house long-term. You can outsource capacity for non-core or supporting work. If everything is "core," you're probably overestimating; outsource the parts that don't actually create competitive advantage.
4. How long is the work?
Less than 3 months: project-based. 3 to 12 months: project-based or dedicated squad. 12+ months: dedicated squad or staff augmentation, depending on whether you have leadership in-house.
5. How much do you want to manage?
Project-based requires the least day-to-day involvement; you accept deliverables. Staff augmentation requires the most; you're managing engineers daily. Dedicated squads sit in the middle. Pick the level of involvement that matches your bandwidth.
Still not sure? Tell us what you're trying to do and we'll point you to the right model. We don't push the most expensive option.
