Hydraulic Applications Engineer

The Hydraulic Applications Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting hydraulic systems and solutions for customer applications. This role combines strong technical engineering expertise with customer-facing problem-solving, ensuring that hydraulic components and systems meet performance, safety, and quality requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with sales, product management, manufacturing, and customers to provide technically sound and cost-effective solutions.

Engineering & Technical Design

• Develop hydraulic system designs, schematics, and component specifications for new and existing applications.
• Select hydraulic components (pumps, valves, motors, cylinders, manifolds, filtration, etc.) based on performance, cost, and reliability criteria.
• Perform hydraulic calculations and simulations, including flow, pressure, cooling, horsepower, and efficiency analysis.
• Support prototype builds and oversee system testing, troubleshooting, and validation.

Customer & Sales Support

• Provide expert-level technical support to customers, distributors, and internal sales teams.
• Interpret customer requirements and translate them into engineering solutions and proposals.
• Conduct on-site visits for diagnostics, commissioning, and performance optimization.
• Prepare technical documentation, including application notes, installation guides, and training materials.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage projects from concept through implementation, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Work with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure products are manufacturable, available, and cost-effective.
• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives and product development projects.

Troubleshooting & Field Support

• Diagnose hydraulic system issues, including pressure instability, heat generation, contamination, and performance loss.
• Recommend corrective actions and provide root cause analysis.
• Support warranty investigations and corrective engineering measures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power Engineering, or related technical field (required).
• 3-5+ years of experience in hydraulic system design, fluid power applications, or mobile/industrial equipment engineering.
• Experience with hydraulic controls, electro-hydraulics, or proportional/servo valve technology preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and hydraulic simulation tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.