How to hire an automation mechanic

How to hire an automation mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step automation mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an automation mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new automation mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The automation mechanic hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An automation mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, automation mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of automation mechanics.

   Type of Automation Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Automation Mechanic	Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.	$16-36
   Industrial Maintenance/Electrician	An industrial maintenance/electrician specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in different establishments. Responsibilities usually include performing inspections to assess electrical damages on systems, understanding blueprints, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing components, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that electrical systems function smoothly and efficiently... Show more	$21-35
   Gas Turbine Technician	Another name for a gas turbine technician is "gas turbine mechanic." They repair and carry out maintenance on gas turbine engines and mechanical apparatuses. They are responsible for operating the machine, and it is also expected that they understand both the electrical and mechanical sections of the engines... Show more	$13-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • PLC
   • Troubleshoot
   • Production Equipment
   • Technical Support
   • HVAC
   • Electrical Troubleshooting
   • Hand Tools
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Electrical Systems
   • Electrical Equipment
   • CNC

   Responsibilities:

   • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
   • Work on every aspect of machine repair to include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and PLC programming.
   • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
   • Experience with A330-200, B767, B747-400, MD-11 CF60, GE/PW, DC-10 aircraft.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your automation mechanic job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An automation mechanic salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, automation mechanics' average salary in florida is 47% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level automation mechanics earn 54% less than senior-level automation mechanics.
   • Certifications. An automation mechanic with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an automation mechanic's salary.

   Average automation mechanic salary

   $52,526yearly

   $25.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level automation mechanic salary

   $35,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

4. Writing an automation mechanic job description

   An automation mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an automation mechanic job description:

   Automation mechanic job description example

   • 12-hours (2 2 3) schedule
   • Open positions on both day and night shift

   Pay:

   • Range is from $24 - $30/HR starting out
   • $2 shift premium for Nights (so at $24 on nights you would really be at $26)

   Job Description

   The Maintenance Mechanical Technician is responsible for maintaining the condition of the manufacturing equipment. Including but not

   limited to repairing and/or the replacement failed components and performing preventative maintenance measures when applicable. He/she is also

   responsible for developing short and/or longer term repairs that are geared towards improving quality as well as efficiency.

   • Record maintenance repair activities in a computer based maintenance management system
   • Work with PLCs, CNCs, and Multi-Access Robots on a daily basis
   • Use basic test equipment such as multi-meters, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical drive systems.
   • Repair and maintain plant machinery and equipment such as lathes, mills, welding and brazing equipment, presses, and automated assembly lines.
   • Possess a fundamental understanding of electrical, hydraulics, and pneumatic schematics, as well as mechanical drawings in order to solve problems in a timely manner.
   • Strive to reduce downtime by working efficiently and performing countermeasures aimed at root cause analysis
   • All employees must possess a commitment to safety and quality. Strong interpersonal, problem solving and effective communication skills are also
   • required with a desire and ability to work and communicate as a team

   About Aerotek:

   We know that a company's success starts with its employees. We also know that an individual's success starts with the right career opportunity. As a Best of Staffing® Client and Talent leader, Aerotek's people-focused approach yields competitive advantage for our clients and rewarding careers for our contract employees. Since 1983, Aerotek has grown to become a leader in recruiting and staffing services. With more than 250 non-franchised offices, Aerotek's 8,000 internal employees serve more than 300,000 contract employees and 18,000 clients every year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in talent solutions. Learn more at Aerotek.com.

   The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right automation mechanic for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your automation mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit automation mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting automation mechanics requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new automation mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the automation mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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