How to hire an engineering instructor

How to hire an engineering instructor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step engineering instructor hiring guide:

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

What does an engineering instructor do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The engineering instructor 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 engineering instructor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, engineering instructors 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 presents engineering instructor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Engineering Instructor	Description	Hourly rate
   Engineering Instructor	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and career and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.	$15-36
   Instructor	Instructors are responsible for imparting knowledge to students. They are well-versed in different topics related to their area of teaching... Show more	$14-45
   Electrical Instructor	The main job of an electrical instructor is to educate students about legal, appropriate, and safe electrical system installation. Electrical instructors design curriculum with compliance with curricular standards... Show more	$15-35

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Kids
   • Professional Development
   • Engineering Principles
   • Engineering Courses
   • Mathematics
   • Instructional Materials
   • SQL
   • Chemistry
   • Engineering Technology
   • Teaching Methodologies
   • Math
   • HTML
   • C++
   • PowerPoint

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Achieve highest GPA for any class in the history of the program.
   • Enrich student learning of robotics and computer programming with the LEGO Mindstorm robotic kits.
   • Conduct labs on PLC operations, advance motor control, service installation, and raceways.
   • Provide training on DC motor control systems and programmable logic controllers for surface mining equipment to employees and mining personnel worldwide.
   • Instruct students on OSHA regulations and procedures.
   • Conduct DC motor interface design seminar course.

   More engineering instructor duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, engineering instructors' average salary in wyoming is 62% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level engineering instructors earn 57% less than senior-level engineering instructors.
   • Certifications. An engineering instructor 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 engineering instructor's salary.

   Average engineering instructor salary

   $50,652yearly

   $24.35 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level engineering instructor salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average engineering instructor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$67,135	$32
   2	Delaware	$65,975	$32
   3	Maryland	$64,491	$31
   4	Nevada	$61,269	$29
   5	Massachusetts	$61,132	$29
   6	New York	$60,901	$29
   7	California	$59,434	$29
   8	Ohio	$57,285	$28
   9	Texas	$53,866	$26
   10	Utah	$53,081	$26
   11	Alabama	$52,891	$25
   12	Michigan	$52,619	$25
   13	Georgia	$52,205	$25
   14	Indiana	$51,619	$25
   15	Colorado	$49,573	$24
   16	Washington	$46,085	$22
   17	Virginia	$45,370	$22
   18	Missouri	$44,969	$22
   19	Idaho	$44,933	$22
   20	North Carolina	$42,953	$21

   Average engineering instructor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Kern Community College District	$122,537	$58.91	8
   2	Apple	$112,891	$54.27	49
   3	Rowan University	$95,297	$45.82	2
   4	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$85,409	$41.06	1
   5	Flatiron School	$82,899	$39.86
   6	Weatherford International	$77,369	$37.20	2
   7	Chicago State University	$73,093	$35.14
   8	PSEA	$65,526	$31.50	20
   9	SUNY New Paltz	$64,812	$31.16
   10	Truckee Meadows Community College	$64,594	$31.05	2
   11	Carnegie Mellon University	$64,491	$31.01	17
   12	UC Santa Barbara	$63,525	$30.54
   13	OBXtek	$63,105	$30.34	3
   14	University of Colorado Boulder	$62,521	$30.06	2
   15	Navajo Technical College	$61,679	$29.65	7
   16	Tulsa Tech	$61,079	$29.36	31
   17	Tuskegee University	$59,240	$28.48
   18	St. Clair County Community Mental Health	$58,087	$27.93	13
   19	General Dynamics	$57,543	$27.66	108
   20	Florida A&M University	$57,490	$27.64	10

4. Writing an engineering instructor job description

   An engineering instructor 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. Below, you can find an example of an engineering instructor job description:

   Engineering instructor job description example

   Instructor, Mechanical Engineering Technology provides accessible, quality learning experiences within the classroom, laboratory, clinical, and/or distance learning settings; facilitates the learning process to help students be successful; provides accurate, quality academic and career advisement for students; seeks professional development opportunities to implement best practices in teaching within their discipline area; maintains office hours according to institutional policy; completes required course assessments and documentation in an accurate and timely manner; attends college meetings, student activities, institutional functions; and contributes to the development of curriculum courses and programs.
   Essential responsibilities and other duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions: Plans and delivers accessible, quality instruction that enhances student learning and ensures students’ understanding of course outcomes.
   Instructs 15-22 contact hours, in either curriculum, non-curriculum, or business and industry, each semester; prepares objectives, assignments, assessments, instructional and supplemental materials, grading standards, and attendance policies in accordance with college and department policies; develops course syllabi to be distributed; keeps online courses regularly updated; and begins and ends class as scheduled.
   Ensures the classroom environment (seated, online, or hybrid) is appropriate for all student learners through equity, inclusion, and globalization by using multiple teaching frameworks, such as Culturally Responsive Teaching and Universal Design for Learning.
   Ensures availability for all students, in the classroom and through distance learning, by maintaining established office hours, offering availability by appointment, and by responding to electronic communication in an appropriate, timely manner.
   Maintains and completes accurate records of student attendance and grades as indicated by institutional policy, and submits all final reports in an accurate and timely manner.
   Remains knowledgeable with program and/or transfer requirements to deliver accurate, quality academic and career advising to students.
   Develops new courses and/or revises course content and outcomes in area as needed; recommends appropriate course textbooks, supplies, software, and equipment; provides input into the development of the program’s course sequence and the course schedule.
   Participates in institutional effectiveness processes, including program review, course outcome assessment, and grants; contributes to the development of the division’s plans of action as needed.
   Participates in the academic program’s recruitment and retention efforts; reviews and provides recommendations for the program publications, webpage, publicity, and other community relations activities and events.
   Collaborates with colleagues to ensure quality instruction and the successful implementation of department, division, or college-wide goals.
   Supports collaboration with other divisions and departments to align comprehensive credit and non-credit courses and programs where appropriate.
   Attends workshops, seminars, and conferences; makes presentations to outside agencies as a representative of the college; researches and implements best practices in teaching in the assigned area of study; participates in thirty (30) hours of professional development activities each academic year, including required employee training offered by the college.
   Mentors part-time instructors to ensure quality instruction, assisting with measuring course outcomes, developing outlines and assessments, and completing forms, grades, and attendance reports, if needed.
   Actively supports the college’s initiatives of retention, progression, and completion leading to the success of all student learners.
   Supports the mission, vision, and values of the college by adhering to all policies, procedures and faculty guidelines.
   Marginal Functions: Serves on standing and ad hoc committees and focus groups; researches and develops recommendations related to academic and instructional programs; maintains contacts with business, industry, and professional organizations for the purpose of keeping instructional programs current.
   Participates in the development and delivery of public information efforts; supports college functions and cultural activities.
   Assists with inventory of programmatic equipment; assumes responsibility for labs and other facilities designated primarily for the assigned program.
   Perform other duties as assigned.
   This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. The President or appropriate supervisory personnel may assign additional duties. The college reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title with or without notice.
   QUALIFICATIONS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Knowledge of: Principles and techniques of instruction, including the use and implementation of the UDL framework.
   Principles and techniques of implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and globalization within courses and programs.
   Principles and procedures of record keeping.
   Principles and techniques involved in assessment.
   Safe work practices and procedures.
   Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
   The mission, goals and objectives of CCC&TI.
   Current trends, research and development in the area of assignment.
   Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
   Ability to: Interpret and apply college and assigned division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
   Contribute to the teaching and learning of mission, goals and objectives which complement those of the college.
   Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.
   Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
   Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
   Work independently in the absence of supervision.
   Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department.
   Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
   Operate a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.
   Environmental Conditions: The instructor should have the ability to effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve an office and classroom workspace, working closely with others, and periodically working irregular hours. The instructor must maintain the office and teaching environments by maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring overall cleanliness, functionality, and conformance to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment. Physical Conditions: Physical and marginal functions require the ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following; standing, walking or sitting for extended periods, moderate lifting and carrying, general manual dexterity, operating assigned equipment, and extended exposure to computer screens. The instructor is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others, and handling varied tasks simultaneously. Additionally, the instructor must maintain mental capacity, which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, demonstrating intellectual capabilities, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and personnel. Scheduling Conditions: This is a full-time, 9-month position. This 36-hour per week position requires the instructor to be on campus or at an approved alternate location for at least 27 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and allows flexible scheduling for the remaining nine hours. Additionally, in-person office hours must be held on at least four individual days per week. Traveling Conditions: Local travel between the Caldwell campus, Watauga campus, or any off-campus sites may be needed. Out of state travel is limited, but may be required for training and conferences.
   EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Experience: One year of engineering experience in industry and/or education required. Three years of engineering experience in industry and/or education preferred. Teaching experience at the community college level with proficiency in learning management systems, specifically OpenLMS/Moodle is preferred. Training and Experience: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a Master’s Degree with 18 graduate hours in Electronic Engineering/Mechatronics or related field from a regionally accredited institution is required. Autodesk Certified Professional, and Certified Solidworks Professional (CSWP – Mechanical Design), or willingness to obtain the certification are preferred.
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   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right engineering instructor for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with engineering instructors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit engineering instructors who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your engineering instructor job on Zippia to find and recruit engineering instructor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit engineering instructors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 engineering instructor

   Once you have selected a candidate for the engineering instructor 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new engineering instructor 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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