[anigbrowl]

It feels like a cultural problem across your recruiting pool, with people 'traditionally' picking either a technical or managerial career track. What if you accept that you maybe can't find good ready-made candidates; can you grow good engineers and teach them people skills?

Maybe begin the interview by saying 'our company is very different, and working here will challenge a lot of your assumptions. Frankly, many people find it difficult or uncomfortable. But if you can adapt, you'll get to enjoy many opportunities that are usually reserved for business school types. How do you feel about that?'

I bet at least a few of your candidates would relish such a challenge, but are trying to conform to 'expected' roles.