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Published Mar 5, 2025 ⦁ 10 min read
Checklist for Onboarding Remote Engineers from LATAM

Checklist for Onboarding Remote Engineers from LATAM

Latin America (LATAM) is becoming a top choice for hiring remote engineers due to its time zone alignment, competitive rates (30–50% lower than North America), and growing tech talent pool. However, onboarding remote engineers effectively requires a structured approach.

Key Steps for Onboarding LATAM Engineers:

  1. Pre-Onboarding Preparation:
    • Understand legal and tax requirements in the engineer's country (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Argentina).
    • Provide essential hardware and software (e.g., IDE licenses, communication tools).
    • Set up team tools like Slack and Jira for seamless collaboration.
  2. Day 1 Checklist:
    • Host team introductions via video calls.
    • Share a "Day One Document" with work policies, security guidelines, and technical standards.
    • Plan a first-week schedule with clear goals (e.g., codebase review, minor tasks).
  3. Technical Setup:
    • Use cloud-based development environments to ensure consistency.
    • Secure code access with tools like Semgrep and OWASP ZAP.
    • Enforce coding standards with automated checks.
  4. Ongoing Support:
    • Pair engineers with mentors for guidance.
    • Conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress and address challenges.
    • Provide language and communication support for smoother collaboration.

Why It Matters:

By following this checklist, you can build a productive and engaged remote engineering team from LATAM.

Before Day 1: Getting Ready

When hiring remotely in LATAM, understanding local labor laws is crucial. As Europortage points out:

"Ensure Compliance with Local Laws: Navigating complex labor laws in each country is essential to stay compliant and avoid potential legal issues."

One key area is employment classification. For example, in Argentina, employees are entitled to benefits like vacation days, sick leave, and social security, while contractors manage their own taxes. In Mexico, employers must handle income tax withholding and social security contributions.

Here's a quick breakdown of employer responsibilities and worker benefits in some countries:

Country Employer Obligations Worker Benefits
Brazil INSS, FGTS contributions Social security, severance funds
Mexico Income tax withholding, social security Healthcare, retirement benefits
Argentina Pension, health insurance, unemployment funds Vacation, sick leave, social security

Once legal matters are in order, focus on equipping your team with the right tools for remote work.

Hardware and Software Needs

To hit the ground running, remote engineers need access to cloud-based development environments and essential tools. Key software includes:

Ensure their hardware is up to the task - this means sufficient processing power, memory, and a reliable internet connection.

After hardware and software are sorted, it's time to set up team tools for smooth collaboration.

Setting Up Team Tools

Platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams are great for keeping teams connected. For agile project management, Jira often stands out for its specialized features compared to more general tools like Trello.

Make sure remote engineers have access to:

Don’t forget to account for time zone differences. For instance, syncing collaboration hours between São Paulo and San Francisco can help optimize teamwork.

Tech Wave Hires offers support to simplify this entire setup process, from legal compliance to tool configuration, ensuring teams are ready to collaborate effectively.

Day 1 Checklist

Once preparations are done, it's time to roll out a well-structured Day 1 to set the tone for the onboarding process.

Team Meet and Greet

Start Day 1 with planned video introductions. Kick off the morning with a check-in between the new hire, their manager, and their mentor. This meeting should cover the day's schedule and address any initial questions.

Arrange one-on-one video meetings with key team members:

Wrap up the day with a casual virtual team social. For instance, Yelp hosts informal virtual coffee breaks or lunch sessions, allowing new hires to connect with teammates in a relaxed atmosphere.

Company Guidelines Review

Provide a comprehensive "Day One Document" that includes essential information:

Category Key Components
Work Policies Remote work hours, time-off requests, communication protocols
Security Guidelines VPN usage, data protection, access management
Technical Standards Code review process, deployment procedures, documentation requirements
Cultural Norms Meeting etiquette, asynchronous communication, feedback channels

Make the review engaging by using real-world examples to show how these guidelines apply in daily tasks, especially when working across time zones.

First Week Plan

Set clear SMART goals for the first week, tailored to the new engineer's role. Combine learning opportunities with hands-on tasks to help them integrate quickly.

Here’s an example of a first-week schedule:

Time Activity Purpose
Day 1 PM Small codebase review Get familiar with existing systems
Day 2-3 Setup and documentation Configure the development environment
Day 4 Minor bug fix or feature Make a contribution to production
Day 5 Progress review Evaluate onboarding progress

Plan regular mentor check-ins throughout the week to provide guidance and support.

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Tech Setup Guide

After onboarding, setting up the right technical environment is crucial for remote engineers to work efficiently and securely.

Dev Environment Setup

Create a cloud-based development environment to ensure uniformity and security.

Component Recommended Setup
Cloud VM 8GB RAM, 4 CPUs, 160GB disk
OS Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
IDE Connection JetBrains Gateway with SSH
Security SSH key authentication
Network Restricted firewall rules

Automate the provisioning process with containers to avoid issues like "it works on my machine". This step ensures consistency across environments.

Securing code access is the next priority.

Code Access Setup

Protecting your codebase with strong security measures is essential. Research indicates that 70% of applications older than five years contain security flaws, and 32% show vulnerabilities during their first scan.

Tool Type Recommended Options Key Benefits
Static Analysis Semgrep Easy integration, real-time scanning
Supply Chain Security Myrror SOC2 compliance, automated triage
Container Security Aqua Security Comprehensive protection, compliance focus
Dynamic Testing OWASP ZAP Open-source, thorough testing

Enforcing coding standards is another critical step to maintain quality and consistency.

Coding Standards Guide

Clear coding standards help teams work more effectively. Research shows that teams with defined practices see a 40% drop in bugs and a 25% boost in performance outcomes.

Integrate automated checks into your CI/CD pipeline to enforce these standards. Teams that use such tools report a 30% efficiency increase.

Long-term Success Plan

After completing the technical setup, focus on strategies that support sustained growth for remote engineers in Latin America. Providing structured support programs helps improve both retention and performance. These strategies build on the technical foundation to keep your team engaged and productive over time.

Mentor Program

Pair new engineers with experienced team members who can guide them on both technical matters and workplace culture. Career coach Octavia Goredema highlights the value of mentoring:

"Investing in mentoring can improve morale, performance and motivation."

Program Component Implementation Guide Expected Outcome
Meeting Schedule Weekly 45-minute video calls Establishes clear communication
Goal Setting Monthly OKR reviews Tracks measurable progress
Cultural Exchange Bi-weekly "cafecitos" Builds stronger team bonds
Technical Growth Quarterly skill assessments Encourages continuous learning

This setup ensures your team stays resilient and connected over the long term.

Progress Check-ins

Regular performance discussions allow you to monitor growth and address any challenges early:

This consistent schedule helps maintain steady performance and professional development.

Language and Communication

Clear communication is essential for effective collaboration. Standardize processes to address language barriers and improve teamwork.

Communication Tool Purpose Tip
Asynchronous Chat Daily updates Use simple, clear English
Video Meetings Complex discussions Enable cameras for visual cues
Documentation Knowledge sharing Include visual diagrams
Translation Support Technical terms Maintain a shared glossary

Introduce cultural sensitivity training to help team members understand different communication styles, reducing misunderstandings. Dedicated Slack channels for work and social conversations, along with regular virtual coffee breaks, can further strengthen team relationships while respecting diverse cultural norms.

Tech Wave Hires Services

Tech Wave Hires

Tech Wave Hires focuses on connecting startups with top-tier remote engineers from Latin America. Their hiring process ensures a perfect match, evaluating both technical expertise and compatibility with team culture. From initial screening to onboarding, they handle every step, making recruitment easier for startups.

Recruitment Process

Tech Wave Hires follows a step-by-step approach to identify and hire skilled remote engineers. Their recruiters, who have engineering experience, conduct detailed assessments to evaluate candidates' technical skills and how well they align with team dynamics.

Phase Activities Outcome
Requirements Analysis Reviewing technical stack and team culture Clear job specifications
Candidate Screening Skill evaluations and English proficiency tests A pool of qualified candidates
Technical Assessment Real-world problem-solving and code reviews Verified technical expertise
Cultural Alignment Interviews for team compatibility and communication skills Confirmed cultural fit

"Vitalii at Tech Wave Hires helped us find quality frontend and backend engineers quickly... As a small startup without a lot of experience hiring for tech roles, Tech Wave Hires made life easy."

Quality Guarantees

To maintain high standards, Tech Wave Hires incorporates several quality checks into their services. Here's what sets them apart:

Guarantee Component Details Benefit
Technical Validation In-depth engineering assessments Ensures skills match the role
Communication Standards English proficiency testing Smooth integration into teams
Replacement Policy 3-month guarantee period Risk-free hiring
Global Reach Access to professionals in 33+ countries A diverse talent network

The agency charges a one-time fee equal to the candidate's monthly salary, making it an affordable option for startups. Their expertise spans software development, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, covering a broad spectrum of technical roles.

"Our recruiters, all of whom have engineering backgrounds, thoroughly evaluate candidates' technical skills to ensure they meet industry standards. Additionally, we assess English proficiency and communication skills to guarantee seamless integration into your team."

Conclusion

Main Points Review

A well-structured onboarding process is crucial for success. Research shows that effective onboarding can boost retention rates by up to 82%.

Here's a breakdown of the onboarding journey for LATAM engineers:

Phase Steps Outcome
Pre-onboarding Documentation, setup, access Ensures a smooth start on Day 1
First Week Introductions, guidelines, mentor 30% increase in satisfaction
Ongoing Support Performance, integration, skills 21% boost in profitability

Remote Team Success Tips

Building strong relationships with LATAM professionals requires understanding cultural differences. Rita Bodnarchuk, CEO of YouTeam, highlights this importance:

"With 75% of our customers and 82% of our revenue originating from the US, and 60% of our 2023 deals involving Latin American talents, my team and I have witnessed firsthand the pivotal role cultural understanding plays in fostering successful collaborations. These differences, when acknowledged and navigated with care, not only enrich communication but also streamline project execution. At YouTeam, we pride ourselves on being the conduit for such fruitful interactions, ensuring that our diverse clients and talents from various continents can work together harmoniously and effectively. My practical advice born from experience would be to regularly set clear expectations - never be afraid of over-communicating them."

In addition to the onboarding phases, here are practical tips to ensure long-term success:

As one expert notes:

"Making devs feel welcome and supported from a distance can be difficult unless the whole team is on board. At the same time, devs from LATAM may have different assumptions about work processes, which means over-communication is a must."

LATAM engineers value job stability and regular performance feedback. By following these strategies, you can create strong, productive relationships with your remote LATAM team. This checklist ensures every stage - before Day 1, on Day 1, and beyond - contributes to building a thriving, cohesive remote engineering team.

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