How to hire a systems mechanic

How to hire a systems mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems mechanic hiring guide:

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

What does a systems mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The systems mechanic 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

   Hiring the perfect systems 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 systems mechanics.

   Type of Systems Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Mechanic	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).	$24-43
   Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft... Show more	$12-21
   Aircraft Electrician	An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records... Show more	$18-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Test Equipment
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Technical Data
   • Support Equipment
   • Technical Manuals
   • Electrical Troubleshooting
   • Electronic Equipment
   • Mechanical Troubleshooting
   • Safety Practices
   • Engineering Drawings
   • Unscheduled Maintenance
   • Technical Orders

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
   • Install fiber optic, RF, data and power cabling.
   • Adjust regulators, cut in/ out relays and points in magnetic switches.
   • Act as liaison between production employees and engineers to troubleshoot technical problems.
   • Dispose of hazardous waste and materials in accordance with AFOSHA and OSHA standards.
   • Utilize and adapt templates, jigs, and fixtures require to complete repairs.

   More systems mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, systems mechanics' average salary in nebraska is 51% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level systems mechanics 44% less than senior-level systems mechanics.
   • Certifications. A systems mechanic 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 systems mechanic's salary.

   Average systems mechanic salary

   $67,679yearly

   $32.54 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems mechanic salary

   $50,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average systems mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$89,002	$43
   2	California	$84,644	$41
   3	Texas	$76,592	$37
   4	New Jersey	$76,271	$37
   5	Minnesota	$72,688	$35
   6	Wyoming	$72,369	$35
   7	New York	$70,918	$34
   8	Oregon	$70,887	$34
   9	South Carolina	$70,845	$34
   10	Maryland	$70,768	$34
   11	Pennsylvania	$67,152	$32
   12	Alabama	$66,957	$32
   13	Wisconsin	$66,306	$32
   14	Maine	$66,034	$32
   15	Missouri	$64,155	$31
   16	Oklahoma	$63,218	$30
   17	Indiana	$63,178	$30
   18	South Dakota	$63,104	$30
   19	Ohio	$62,979	$30
   20	Utah	$61,633	$30

   Average systems mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Joby Aviation	$97,122	$46.69	26
   2	Western Area Power Administration	$84,766	$40.75
   3	Spirit AeroSystems	$80,084	$38.50
   4	City of Laredo	$78,402	$37.69	1
   5	Canadian Pacific Railway	$76,754	$36.90	4
   6	Wsp USA Buildings Inc.	$76,626	$36.84	41
   7	Eastman	$76,044	$36.56
   8	City of Poway	$74,306	$35.72
   9	Kay Management Co	$72,504	$34.86	35
   10	Air National Guard	$72,398	$34.81
   11	West-Ward Pharmaceuticals	$72,249	$34.74	3
   12	Maytag Aircraft Corporation	$72,175	$34.70
   13	Us Army Reserves	$72,078	$34.65	11
   14	Army National Guard	$72,042	$34.64	236
   15	HQ Aero Management	$71,916	$34.58
   16	Aerotek	$70,752	$34.02	179
   17	Northrop Grumman	$67,975	$32.68	287
   18	Lockheed Martin	$67,357	$32.38	557
   19	MITRE	$67,164	$32.29	28
   20	Rutgers University	$66,319	$31.88	13

4. Writing a systems mechanic job description

   A systems mechanic 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 systems mechanic job description:

   Systems mechanic job description example

   This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this position. It does not include all aspects of the position such as potential additional duties requested by supervisors/managers and the requirement for flexibility in helping others for the Company's overall benefit. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
   
   Candidate will be required to Install, inspect, and perform modifications and repairs to electrical power support systems such as electrical power plants and power distribution equipment
   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   Repair components such as generators, voltage regulators, governors, starter motors, fuel pumps, fuel lines, and oil pumps. Operate manual and remote switches, circuit breakers, rheostats, and other controls on a variety of automatic transfer switches, switchgears, and power distribution panels to perform necessary electric power control and distribution functions. Adjust cycling and synchronization of generators to meet electrical load demand, energizing and de-energizing circuits to control distribution of electric power to busses and feeder circuits, and related equipment. Perform preventive maintenance on electrical power support systems. Check equipment for fuel, lubricants, coolant, and battery water levels; checks pumps, batteries, fan belts, and spark plugs for wear and tear or replacement. Check engine performance, generator bearings, and oil and temperature gauges. Change fuel filters, oil filters, air filters, and lube oil. Adjust thermal and safety controls. Train and/or guide lower grade or lesser experienced employees as required. Troubleshoot electrical power support systems such as electrical power plants and power distribution equipment. Perform visual, auditory, and dimensional checks on system components such as engines and electrical accessories of engines to determine extent of wear and parts to be repaired or replaced. Maintain records and documents actions; prepare accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken, and assure documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner. Use and maintain various types of hand and/or power tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, soldering irons, cable pullers, hydraulic benders, and pipe threading machines. In addition, use a wide variety of test equipment including test lamps, multi-meters, circuit analyzers, circuit breaker testers, voltage recording meters, meggers, watt meters, ohmmeters, and ammeters. Utilize safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean work environment. Use and assure proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing (Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)). Use lock-out-tag-out program and follow locally developed safety programs. Perform sector operations control center (SOCC) utilities operator tasks. Perform major repair, replacement, and overhaul of power support system components such as diesel, multi-fuel, or gas turbine engines, and electrical accessories of engines. Analyze and interpret blueprints, wiring schematics, control panel diagrams, technical manuals, and manufacturer's manuals. Adjust, repair, and replace major assemblies and components such as rings, pistons, rods, rod bearings, main bearings, seals, camshaft bearings, valves, valve guides, and gaskets for engines up to 3 to 8 cylinders and 500 horsepower. Work alongside other trades, power production, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, in maintaining equipment. Conduct periodic load-tests to ensure adequacy of system. Troubleshoot and diagnose complex repair situations involving the electrical components of electrical power plants and power distribution equipment. Systems include those with a variety of compressors and a variety of refrigerant controls. Systems use a variety of complicated motor controls and other controls to protect against overload or overheating. May work with hazardous materials such as asbestos or accumulated waste. Required to wear PPE gear on occasion; require the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
   
   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
   
   BS Preferred. Experience comparable to Air Force Enlisted with a military grade of E5 - E7 has been used to meet this requirement
   
   Other Requirements: NA
   
   Air Force Skill Code Conversion: 3E0X2
   
   US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
   
   Performance Location: Rome New York
   
   Relocation Assistance: No
   
   Clearance Type: Secret
   
   Travel Required: Yes
   
   Mission Essential : Yes
   
   The candidate shall be prepared to continue providing such services, in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts, during periods of crisis.
   
   Shift-Work : Yes
   
   Some of the task activities must be performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, accordingly, shift work for those contractor employees performing these services is normal.
   
   Overtime : Yes
   
   Overtime may be required for exercises or contingencies
   
   GSI Service Group Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that consciously builds inclusive teams and is proud to support a diverse environment that considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find systems 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 systems mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level systems 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 systems mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit systems mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit systems mechanics, 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 systems mechanic

   Once you've decided on a perfect systems 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.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new systems 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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