How to hire a mechanical systems engineer

How to hire a mechanical systems engineer, step by step

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

What does a mechanical systems engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The mechanical systems engineer 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?

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   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a mechanical systems engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a mechanical systems engineer that fits the bill.

   This list presents mechanical systems engineer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Mechanical Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanical Systems Engineer	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	$29-55
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62
   Staff Engineer	Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations... Show more	$33-80

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Mechanical Systems
   • CAD
   • System Design
   • Solidworks
   • Project Management
   • FEA
   • Mechanical Design
   • PowerPoint
   • Engineering Design
   • DOD
   • GD
   • Landing Gear
   • Design Reviews
   • Technical Support

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage refueling rig project (SolidWorks models, electronics layout, BOM and PLC programming).
   • Initiate and lead development of in-house rapid prototyping and machine shop facilities, and prepare and institute associated training.
   • Design test equipment used for customers using SolidWorks and AutoCAD as well as SURFCAM software.
   • Implement PLC and system communication network.
   • Design and build automated test systems using Labview.
   • Work with PLC's, control circuits and various sensing technologies.

   More mechanical systems engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your mechanical systems engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A mechanical systems engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, mechanical systems engineers' average salary in arkansas is 46% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level mechanical systems engineers 46% less than senior-level mechanical systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A mechanical systems engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a mechanical systems engineer's salary.

   Average mechanical systems engineer salary

   $85,387yearly

   $41.05 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanical systems engineer salary

   $62,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average mechanical systems engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$124,518	$60
   2	Washington	$106,387	$51
   3	New Mexico	$100,849	$48
   4	Texas	$82,591	$40
   5	Maryland	$82,361	$40
   6	Colorado	$81,972	$39
   7	Georgia	$81,766	$39
   8	Illinois	$80,435	$39
   9	Arizona	$78,020	$38
   10	Tennessee	$78,016	$38
   11	Kansas	$77,759	$37
   12	Michigan	$76,317	$37
   13	Indiana	$75,417	$36
   14	South Carolina	$75,373	$36
   15	Florida	$72,605	$35
   16	North Carolina	$72,185	$35
   17	Ohio	$71,887	$35

   Average mechanical systems engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Zoox	$134,568	$64.70	116
   2	NVIDIA	$131,856	$63.39	231
   3	Learjet	$113,970	$54.79
   4	Joby Aviation	$113,847	$54.73	57
   5	Cirrus Aircraft	$111,071	$53.40	17
   6	Sandia National Labs	$106,153	$51.04	40
   7	Eclipse Aviation	$105,834	$50.88
   8	Applied Materials	$105,689	$50.81	63
   9	Monster Products	$104,485	$50.23	1
   10	Rivian	$102,251	$49.16	82
   11	Genuine Parts	$101,948	$49.01	4
   12	Randstad North America, Inc.	$101,013	$48.56	18
   13	UPS	$100,120	$48.13	20
   14	HP	$100,003	$48.08	18
   15	R.M. Schulte & Associates	$98,865	$47.53	1
   16	Seres	$98,184	$47.20	1
   17	Tesla	$97,594	$46.92	27
   18	Wabtec Corporation	$97,251	$46.76	33
   19	PEI-Genesis	$96,330	$46.31
   20	Lucid Motors	$95,765	$46.04	55

4. Writing a mechanical systems engineer job description

   A job description for a mechanical systems engineer 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 a mechanical systems engineer job description:

   Mechanical systems engineer job description example

   BAE Systems is seeking a full-time employee to be part of our Interface Coordination team working on the US and UK TRIDENT Submarine Strategic Weapon System and US Attack Weapon System programs. The selected candidate will work closely with numerous engineering teams supporting Strategic Systems Programs.
   
   Our primary function is to ensure that all weapon system interface requirements are correctly defined and properly coordinated. This is achieved by performing technical change evaluations and interfacing with government and contractor activities to define Weapon System Coordinated Interfaces.
   Required Education, Experience, & Skills
   Have the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance Understand Systems Engineering principles Understand Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Understand basic engineering principles Willingness and ability to travel Demonstrated Self-Starter Excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others Excellent organizational, planning, and follow-up skills Proficient with PC and MS Office Suite Prior active duty Navy with a minimum of 10 years experience involving the Trident II program in lieu of engineering degree
   Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
   Have an active DoD security clearance within the two previous years Systems Engineering Degree Experience working with modeling tools Understand detailed engineering principles and experience with Interface Control/Design Drawings
   About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
   BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
   
   Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
   
   Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
   At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right mechanical systems engineer 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 mechanical systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with mechanical systems 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.

   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 mechanical systems engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the mechanical systems engineer 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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How much does it cost to hire a mechanical systems engineer?