How to hire a computer applications engineer

How to hire a computer applications engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer applications engineer hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your computer applications engineer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer applications engineer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A computer applications engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer applications engineers 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of computer applications engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Computer Applications Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Applications Engineer	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$34-62
   Salesforce Developer	A salesforce developer is responsible for analyzing a company's needs and devising systems and customs applications to support them. It is their responsibility to coordinate with various company experts to bring the applications to fruition... Show more	$36-61
   Software Developer	A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems... Show more	$32-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FANUC
   • Machine Tools
   • CAD/CAM
   • Linux
   • Technical Support
   • Training Classes
   • Solidworks
   • Web Application
   • Troubleshoot
   • Process Improvement
   • Computer Applications
   • SQL

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage RF servers and performing network troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on network elements.
   • Experience with Fanuc, Bridgeport and Heidenhain controls.
   • Guide the PC board development of a switching converter EMI reduction research team.
   • Design data models, database tables and data access routines for the Chrysler CAD/CAM system's IGES translators.
   • Work with development teams to troubleshoot development environment, production environment, performance tuning and optimize code.
   • Expedite and simplify the quotation process for solar water heating systems by accurately representing solar water heating system performance through MATLAB models

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer applications engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A computer applications engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, computer applications engineers' average salary in south dakota is 37% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level computer applications engineers earn 45% less than senior-level computer applications engineers.
   • Certifications. A computer applications engineer 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 a computer applications engineer's salary.

   Average computer applications engineer salary

   $96,367yearly

   $46.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer applications engineer salary

   $71,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average computer applications engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$122,968	$59
   2	Washington	$106,905	$51
   3	New York	$96,072	$46
   4	North Carolina	$94,678	$46
   5	Georgia	$94,560	$45
   6	Pennsylvania	$94,007	$45
   7	Connecticut	$93,372	$45
   8	Delaware	$92,811	$45
   9	Massachusetts	$91,686	$44
   10	Virginia	$91,678	$44
   11	Michigan	$86,638	$42
   12	Alabama	$84,964	$41
   13	New Jersey	$84,098	$40
   14	Florida	$83,674	$40
   15	Illinois	$81,289	$39
   16	Minnesota	$79,255	$38

   Average computer applications engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Chegg	$134,515	$64.67
   2	Oracle	$111,688	$53.70	758
   3	Open Systems Technologies	$111,377	$53.55	2
   4	Logitech	$110,833	$53.29
   5	Populus Group	$109,890	$52.83
   6	Merrill Lynch	$106,613	$51.26
   7	Booz Allen Hamilton	$105,313	$50.63	169
   8	Philips	$105,144	$50.55	10
   9	Diedre Moire	$102,384	$49.22
   10	Fujitsu	$102,223	$49.15
   11	BobCAD-CAM	$101,548	$48.82
   12	Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina	$101,305	$48.70
   13	Hyundai Capital Services	$100,497	$48.32	2
   14	Morris	$98,825	$47.51
   15	Virtify	$96,944	$46.61
   16	MathWorks	$96,761	$46.52
   17	T-Systems	$96,459	$46.37
   18	Blue Cross & Blue Shield	$96,190	$46.25	10
   19	FARMERS INTERNATIONAL	$96,037	$46.17
   20	Ellison Technologies	$94,014	$45.20	1

4. Writing a computer applications engineer job description

   A computer applications engineer 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 a computer applications engineer job description:

   Computer applications engineer job description example

   BobCAD-CAM, Inc is a CAD/CAM programming software company that is fully integrated for 2-5 axis CNC Milling and Turning. CAD/CAM software plays an integral role in the manufacturing industry. BobCAD-CAM has been an important part of the industry since 1985 and has led the way with innovation and affordability. BobCAD-CAM‘s parent company is Harris Computer, a corporation with over 400 software companies that provide mission critical software to customers around the world.
   
   The Technical Support team is looking to expand by adding CNC Application Engineers who are driven to provide solutions to manufacturing problems for our global customer base. If you are an individual that likes solving technical issues in a friendly team environment and would like the opportunity to gain responsibility and deliver critical solutions to customer's problems, then the Technical Services team at BobCAD-CAM wants you to continue reading and apply today!
   
   Working at BobCAD-CAM gives its employees the unique experience of interacting with shops and companies all over the world, from small Mom & Pop shops to large fortune 500 companies. You will be working directly with these companies to assist with all aspects of the software (CAD design, CAM programming, and Post Processor Development among others).
   
   BobCAD-CAM provides a continual growth and learning initiative backed by respect for the individual. Many learning resources are available to our employees that can be utilized to expand their skills and knowledge to help them advance their career and achieve their goals.
   
   Harris Computer also provides an extensive list of great benefits associated with this position (See below). BobCAD-CAM focuses on individual growth with opportunities to grow into other positions throughout the company such as Training, Post Processor Development, Software Development, or other lead roles in the company.
   
   All machining & engineering backgrounds including entry level candidates are encouraged to Apply!!
   This is a relaxed office environment located in: Tampa, Florida. Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm) What your impact will be: Provide Technical Support & Training on the BobCAD-CAM product line via phone, email, chat, user forums and other social media platforms Provide customer software product demonstrations Provide Post Processor support, development, and customization Apply knowledge to help assist with complex 4 & 5 axis concepts in the software Engagement with the Development team to report issues Use and creation of documentation to help resolve issues and define processes Maintain client relationships and ensure customer success by maintaining high standards on solutions delivered Other duties as assigned What we are looking for: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Ideal but not required) Experience with CAD/CAM software or CNC machine tools Basic Windows OS Knowledge What would make you stand out: Experience in Customer Support environment and/or Software Development is a strong plus Strong knowledge of CNC programming (4 and 5 axis or Mill Turn is a strong plus) Experience with modifying Post Processors to format Gcode output What we can offer: 401(k) Matching Paid Time Off, Personal Time Off, Birthday Floating Holiday Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Employer-Paid Life Insurance & Voluntary Employee Life Employer-Paid AD&D Insurance Employer-Paid Short-Term & Partial Long-Term Disability Health Savings Account (HSA) Legal Insurance Hospital Indemnity Insurance Lifestyle Rewards Program Computer Purchase Program

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find computer applications engineers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   To find computer applications engineer candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with computer applications engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   If your interviews with computer applications engineer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   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 computer applications engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect computer applications engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new computer applications engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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