A switching system includes a MEMS switching circuit having a MEMS switch and a driver circuit, and an auxiliary circuit coupled in parallel with the MEMS switching circuit that comprises solid state switching circuitry. A control circuit in communication with the MEMS switching circuit and the auxiliary circuit performs selective switching of a load current towards the MEMS switching circuitry and the auxiliary circuit, with the control circuit programmed to transmit a control signal to the driver circuit to cause the MEMS switch to actuate to an open or closed position across a switching interval, activate the auxiliary circuit during the switching interval when the MEMS switch is switching between the open and closed positions, and deactivate the auxiliary circuit upon reaching the open or closed position after completion of the switching interval, such that the load current selectively flows through the MEMS switch and the solid state switching circuitry.