The Randstad engineering employee confidence index for the U.S. rose to a reading of 63.6 in the first quarter of 2014 from 62.0 in the fourth quarter of last year. The survey showed a high level of confidence in workers’ ability to find a new job and in their own personal job security.

“The high confidence level among engineers in the market overall is certainly in-line with what we are seeing within our own business,” said Richard Zambacca, president of Randstad Engineering. “Engineers are among the most sought-after talent in the market, across all boards and no matter the discipline. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the job market looks very promising for 2014 graduates. Employers focused on hiring new engineering grads plan to hire 7.8 percent more this year.”

The survey found 66 percent of engineers feel confident in their ability to find a new job, representing a seven percentage point increase from the fourth quarter of last year. And 84 percent of engineers surveyed indicated they are not likely to lose their jobs over the next 12 months, up slightly from 82 percent last quarter.

Twenty-nine percent of engineering professionals are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, down from 28 percent in the fourth quarter.

The report is based on an online survey conducted in the U.S. by Harris Interactive, on behalf of Randstad, that included 116 adults employed in engineering. The survey was conducted in January, February and March of 2014.