This may be stupid but..

If this question is inappropriate for this list I apoligize in advance. I have several open engineering positions that I am trying to fill without the use of a recruiter. My thoughts on using a recruiter is they end up extracting a fee from the employer that would be better put to the future employee. My question, what is the most effective way to recruit quality engineers? Does anyone have experience or opinions to share? TIA, Shawn