I have been trying to get positions like you are seeking, only to keep getting contract positions. I am criticized by potential employers for this a lot, so I say that it is not by choice that I have worked the contract positions, but rather necessity, to pay my bills. By the way, I feel the the contracting assignments have made me a much better, more versatile engineer, having been exposed to more diverse processes, than if I had worked for one company.

You could explain that your looking for more stability and work life balance.

Emirates Gary why do you , benefits , stop travel, family?

Hi Gary: I've been where you are right now. I freelanced for about six years before I decided to go back to a full-time office position. I was honest: I missed working with a team! I think it's fine to be honest with a potential employer, as long as it reflects what makes you a valuable addition to their company.