Really hesitated posting this but CC seems to be the best resource for it seems everything.
Kid is contemplating switching jobs. MechE working as a project engineering, 5 years.
Would like to relocate, is pretty open to areas as long as it’s a city.
Does anyone know of a reputable recruiting firm for engineers? Thinking that might help.
I’d be happy if you want to pm me. Appreciate any help.
It would put an additional 30% price tag on his head from his new employer. Has he exhausted all of the posted positions from principals? I would think those would be more suitable.
Thanks @ClassicRockerDad, just started looking. Good news to know.
Any particular part of the country?
Thinking of maybe the sun belt.
Maybe Nashville or Charlotte or Dallas. Not too particular
Is he using Linkedin?
Yes to LinkedIn
Does he have a specialty within MechE?
Designs, modifies industrial equipment. Not sure if that’s a speciality.
Got the job out of college, original department was eliminated so moved into another but not feeling excited or very utilized by this job. Hence a reason for a change.
Perhaps he can try researching what companies there are in his desired areas of relocation, and then apply to them directly (making it clear that he is applying because he wants to relocate there).
Thanks @ucbalumnus, that’s the approach now. I am being a meddling mom 
and thought there might be another (easier) way to get another job.
Thanks everyone who’s responded.
Would he consider the federal government? I’m not sure what their current hiring status is, but S has been happy as a federal employee, which has been his only job since graduating. The good thing about it is there are options for transfers and different types of work, which keeps from getting things boring.
What about consulting companies?
Federal government job site - 404 error 
I highly recommend LinkedIn and his college Facebook for networking.
Is he still in contact with former classmates from college? Even if they are all on LinkedIn, not everyone looks at Linkedin regularly…especially when work gets busy (and it’s the people who are busy at work who you most want to get in touch with). Former classmates would be able to tell him if they know of hiring at their current jobs or if they’ve heard of openings at other companies.
No, the federal govt job site works, https://www.usajobs.gov/
I agree that networking through his HS and college are great options. I’ve heard of some folks having great success via LinkedIn, but having to be cautious about how they let folks know they’re hunting for a new job.
HIMom - that was a joke (a USPTO attorney used that to describe the hiring freeze). The site works, of course, but the big Q is: are they actually hiring? I have a kid who began to apply to government jobs only to see those vacancies disappear. Maybe the jobs started opening up…
There is absolutely nothing wrong or sneaky about using LinkedIn. This is how it works. Kid locates a job posted on Linkedin. Kid locates a former classmate who works at that company. Kid connects with the classmate, chats, and asks if there is an internal referral program. Many companies will give preference to resumes of folks who got referred by a current employee. Even give a bonus to said employee in some cases.
By the way, engineers and software developers get tons of LinkedIn connection requests from recruiters (I had five recruiter connection requests pending when I went to LinkedIn just now, and I immediately thought about this thread ). It’s tempting for young professionals to want to show a large number of connections and allowing these recruiters to connect with you would be a fast way to grow your numbers. Resist! When potential employers see a LinkedIn profile for an engineer whose contacts seem to be mostly recruiters, it’s a red flag.
Grow your network from your school contacts, from neighbors, former internship contacts. Potential employers are looking for quality connections. Showing that you know other engineers is good. Showing that you are on speaking terms with marketing and sales people is also good. Showing that you know people in industries who might be potential clients, partners, or customers is very very good.
What about the Career Services office from his alma mater?
Set up a profile and search on indeed.com, this site has by far the most available listings for technical jobs.
Some companies used craigslist for a while, although I think most don’t any more because craigslist is filled with crazy people now.
Lots of companies post jobs on facebook, it’s worth searching on there.
I never found LinkedIn to be particularly useful, although I admittedly am bad about building my network. And never ever accept an invitation to connect to a recruiter. These people are not your friends and are not there to help you.