Lead Hydraulics Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Hydraulics Engineer provides advanced technical leadership, system architecture expertise, and front-line support for both internal engineering teams and external customer development. This role drives the design and optimization of custom hydraulic systems for off-highway mobile equipment collaborating closely with Applications Engineering, Controls Engineering, and the Advanced Systems Team. Role duties would include some industrial system development as well as our mobile hydraulics systems focus.

The Lead Hydraulics Engineer serves as the primary hydraulics technical contact for Account Managers and OEM customers, supports quoting and feasibility assessments, mentors junior engineers, develops design standards, and ensures successful system performance through production troubleshooting and continuous improvement. This position requires strong communication skills, the ability to lead technical discussions, and the capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting deadlines and quality expectations. 

This role is expected to evolve into formal leadership of the Hydraulics Engineering team, including supervision of multiple direct reports and participation in resource planning and performance development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design and optimize mobile hydraulic systems, producing schematics & circuits, and fabrication drawings for internal production and suppliers.

• Support pre-sale feasibility, BOM development, and quoting, while providing technical guidance to engineering peers, sales, production, and customers.

• Lead design reviews and perform component sizing, performance calculations, validation, troubleshooting, and optimization during prototype and production phases.

• Contribute to hydraulic design standards, maintain knowledge of relevant regulations and industry practices, and participate in customer visits, field testing, and equipment evaluations as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the organization’s primary hydraulics SME, mentoring junior engineers in design methodology, troubleshooting, and component selection.

• Interface with Account Managers to support sales opportunity qualification and provide structured production support with feedback loops for continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with Controls Engineering and the Advanced Systems Team to ensure proper integration of electrohydraulic controls and evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., smart valves, electrification).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep understanding of hydraulic components and system architectures, including load-sense, open-center, closed-center, and multi-function flow management.

• Experience with mobile valve platforms and manifold circuit design (including DIN cartridge manifolds, stackable valve systems, and integrated hydraulic control assemblies), with competency in manifold block layout, optimization, and manufacturability.

• Familiarity with electrohydraulic controls, CANbus interactions, performance curves, and the ability to troubleshoot systems using diagnostic tools and measurement instrumentation.

• Proficiency in CAD/3D modeling for schematic and manifold design (Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, HydroSym/HydroMan), with knowledge of relevant manufacturing processes (machining, welding, hose assembly, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7–12 years of experience designing hydraulic systems for mobile or off-highway equipment, including support of OEM production volumes.

• Prior leadership experience providing mentorship or directing technical work, with exposure to electrification, hybrid integration, etc.

• Knowledge of reservoir optimization, thermal management, noise mitigation strategies, and related system performance considerations.

REQUIRED FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and translate customer requirements into functional system architectures.

• Effective prioritization and time-management in multi-project environments, with solid understanding of engineering change control and revision management.

• Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical topics to non-technical stakeholders and interpreting mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical schematics.

• Collaborative mindset with team-building instincts, contributing positively to cross-functional work and organizational culture.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in both office and shop environments, including exposure to machining, fabrication, and assembly noise, and occasional lifting of components up to 40 lbs during prototype evaluations or commissioning activities.

• Comfortable standing, bending, and reaching while reviewing equipment or troubleshooting systems, with the ability to maintain focus and meet deadlines in high-pressure environments.

• Ability to travel to customer sites, vendor facilities, and job locations as required (typically < 20%).