How to hire an experimental mechanic

How to hire an experimental mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step experimental 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 experimental mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new experimental mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an experimental mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   An experimental mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, experimental 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.

   Here's a comparison of experimental mechanic salaries for various roles:

   Type of Experimental Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Experimental 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.	$15-30
   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:

   • Experimental Aircraft
   • Electrical Systems
   • Test Equipment
   • Test Results
   • Routine Maintenance

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish final operational checkout for conformance to customer specifications of prototype and new electronic systems including system installation on new airframes.
   • Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
   • Experience in material handling, overhead crane operation and safe lifting and rigging practices.
   • Repair microprocessor base electronic systems.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, experimental mechanics' average salary in florida is 38% less than in maine.
   • Seniority. Entry-level experimental mechanics earn 49% less than senior-level experimental mechanics.
   • Certifications. An experimental 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 experimental mechanic's salary.

   Average experimental mechanic salary

   $45,836yearly

   $22.04 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level experimental mechanic salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 13, 2026

4. Writing an experimental mechanic job description

   A job description for an experimental mechanic role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an experimental mechanic job description:

   Experimental mechanic job description example

   **Experimental Mechanic position**
   
   **Primary Function:**
   
   Performs one or more of the following in a team environment on experimental tractors, machines and/or implements in a laboratory and/or field: (1) Lays out and fabricates experimental parts and production templates working from ordinary formed views, dimensioned work planes and work axis and/or straight views. (2) Assembles and operates units to check function. (3) Builds complicated mechanical, hydraulic and/or electronic tests for mechanical and structural failure. (4) Sets up and completes performance tests of units in field operation. (5) Diagnoses trouble, overhauls and adjusts major mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic work in field tests.
   
   **Types of Machines, Tools and Equipment Used or Operated:**
   
   Machines such as: punch presses, arc welders, brazing equipment, brake, shear, nibbler, rolls, drill press, grinder, saw, arbor press, spot welder, mechanic's tools, measuring instruments, meters, gages, test vehicles, instrumentation equipment, tractors, implements, transport vehicles, trucks, various hand tools, etc.
   
   **Job Details:**
   
   Work is not closely supervised.
   
   Maintains a safe work environment.
   
   Details are dependent on duties assigned but in general consists of one or more parts of the primary function plus one or more of the following:
   
   + Follows written or verbal instructions.
   
   + Coordinates work as directed with product engineering and/or sales personnel.
   
   + Assists with details and plans for field testing of equipment.
   
   + Work is performed on bench, floor, machine or test equipment in laboratory or field.
   
   + Plans procedures and determines methods of performing operation.
   
   + Diagnoses trouble and makes all repairs and adjustments as required to complete test.
   
   + Builds required holding devices needed for performance of job.
   
   + Disassembles units after tests and checks for misalignment and wear.
   
   + Fabricates parts by cutting, bending, machining, etc. and/or welding and performs assembly work.
   
   + May instruct and direct other team members.
   
   + Records findings, analyzes function and makes recommendations.
   
   + Makes complete written reports including details of crop and field conditions, performance, quality and amount of work performed.
   
   + Lubricates, adds coolant and cleans equipment.
   
   + Cleans work area and performs other miscellaneous duties inherent to the job. **May also perform duties such as:**
   
   + Prepares and loads equipment for movement to test site.
   
   + Makes personal contacts with dealer and branch personnel to finalize arrangements for tests.
   
   + Performs setup on machine for test, including assembly, adjusting, fueling and lubrication.
   
   + Operates equipment under field test conditions.
   
   + Install and/or operate instrumentation for tests.
   
   **John Deere is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.**

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find experimental mechanics for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any experimental mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level experimental mechanics with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit experimental mechanics, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 experimental mechanic

   Once you've decided on a perfect experimental mechanic 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.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new experimental mechanic. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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