How to hire an operational test mechanic

How to hire an operational test mechanic, step by step

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

Post an operational test mechanic job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the operational test mechanic you need to hire. Certain operational test mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect operational test mechanic also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of operational test mechanics.

   Type of Operational Test Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Operational Test Mechanic	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$13-30
   Quality Assurance Inspector	Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures... Show more	$12-23
   Certified Welding Inspector	A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment... Show more	$14-34

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • R
   • Functional Test
   • QC

   Responsibilities:

   • Box build sub-assembly level by solder wire into connector, lead, and fan according to MPI and visuals aid.
   • Perform basic QC for components and complete system.
   • Provide construction and testing of electro-mechanical sub-assemblies for high quality medical equipment build from blueprints and schematics.
   • Ensure that daily automate regression testing is running and completing successfully.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the operational test mechanic job description is a good way to get more applicants. An operational test mechanic salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an operational test mechanic in Florida may be lower than in Connecticut, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level operational test mechanic. Additionally, an operational test mechanic with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average operational test mechanic salary

   $42,957yearly

   $20.65 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level operational test mechanic salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average operational test mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Rhode Island	$54,156	$26
   2	Virginia	$53,664	$26
   3	New Jersey	$52,735	$25
   4	New Jersey	$52,704	$25
   5	New Jersey	$52,449	$25
   6	Pennsylvania	$50,657	$24
   7	Delaware	$50,288	$24
   8	New York	$49,094	$24
   9	California	$47,165	$23
   10	New York	$46,103	$22
   11	Montana	$42,873	$21
   12	Wisconsin	$42,837	$21
   13	Iowa	$39,910	$19
   14	Ohio	$39,608	$19
   15	Ohio	$38,296	$18
   16	Utah	$37,379	$18
   17	North Carolina	$36,291	$17
   18	South Carolina	$34,491	$17
   19	Florida	$32,848	$16
   20	Florida	$32,558	$16

   Average operational test mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$79,123	$38.04	2
   2	Duke Energy	$63,303	$30.43	1
   3	Baptist Health Home Care	$62,332	$29.97	3
   4	DuPont	$60,472	$29.07	13
   5	Johnson & Johnson	$55,867	$26.86	3
   6	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	$54,385	$26.15	1
   7	Emerson	$51,770	$24.89	17
   8	General Mills	$51,318	$24.67	2
   9	PSEG	$49,236	$23.67	6
   10	The Chemours Company	$49,197	$23.65
   11	Cargill	$47,833	$23.00	21
   12	General Dynamics	$47,719	$22.94	82
   13	Edgewell Personal Care	$46,303	$22.26	1
   14	Westmoreland Coal Co	$45,370	$21.81	2
   15	Conagra Brands	$45,119	$21.69	9
   16	Unigen	$42,675	$20.52	5
   17	Brink's	$42,587	$20.47	3
   18	McKenney's	$42,221	$20.30
   19	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$41,460	$19.93	108
   20	RemX	$39,455	$18.97

4. Writing an operational test mechanic job description

   A job description for an operational test 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 operational test mechanic job description:

   Operational test mechanic job description example

   The Brink's name is a promise to respect the trust we've earned in over 150 years in business. Every employee honors that promise by offering the highest levels of service and support to our customers. We take pride in our work, and we share a passion about our future. Learn why so many people have made the choice to join our team - and stay here.
   Job Title
   
   Coin Operations Mechanic
   
   Job Description
   
   Key Responsibilities:
   Monitor performance of coin sorters and wrapping machines to ensure accuracy of counts and optimal efficiency Maintain specifications by observing operations, detecting malfunctions, inspecting parts and adjusting controls Maintain a parts inventory record and stock of parts. Order replacement parts to minimize downtime (lost production time) in the event that a machine breaks down Ensure operation of equipment by performing preventive maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis following manufacturer's instructions. Troubleshoot and repair malfunctions, escalating to the Supervisor when necessary Monitor and report any issues regarding deficiencies/need for replacement of any equipment to manager Cross-train and cover for other coin room positions as needed Maintain orderly and clean work area, including all adjacent wall, tables, cabinets and storage areas Guard liability and assets
   
   About Brink's
   
   Brink's is the global leader in security and logistics services, trusted by banks, financial institutions and businesses in both public and private sectors. We deliver the currency of the world to businesses in our communities. We do it because we're needed. We do it because we're trusted and valued. We do it because it makes us proud. Brink's Proud.
   
   What's Next?
   
   Thank you for considering applying for a job at Brink's U.S. To be considered for this position, you must complete the entire application process, which includes answering all prescreening questions and providing your eSignature.
   
   Upon completion of the application process, you will receive an email confirming that we have received your application. We will review all candidates and notify you of your status should we deem you fit for a job. Thank you again for your interest in a career at Brink's U.S. For more information about future career opportunities, join our talent network, Like our Facebook page or Follow us on Twitter.
   
   Brink's is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or history or any other characteristic protected by law. Brink's is also committed to providing a drug free workplace.
   
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find operational test mechanics 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.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with operational test mechanic 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 operational test mechanic

   Once you've decided on a perfect operational test 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 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new operational test 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an operational test mechanic?