Fluid Power Systems & Applications Engineer

Description

Depatie is seeking an experienced Fluid Power Systems & Applications Engineer to serve as a cornerstone of our technical team. This role is the bridge between customer requirements and real-world solutions — translating application challenges into engineered fluid power systems that perform.

You will lead system design, guide component selection, support manufacturing, and act as a trusted technical advisor to both customers and our sales team. If you are a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable at a workstation designing circuits and on a customer floor troubleshooting systems, this role is built for you.

Requirements

 Requirements

What You'll DoSystem Design & Engineering

• Design, analyze, and review hydraulic and pneumatic circuits for a wide range of customer applications.
• Create detailed 2D circuit schematics and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks.
• Develop complete Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical quotations in support of new and existing projects.
• Perform system troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve application and performance issues.
• Evaluate new products and technologies and make informed recommendations for inclusion in Depatie's solutions portfolio.
• Lead vendor selection processes based on technical performance, quality, and application fit.

Project & Manufacturing Support

• Provide project management oversight from design through delivery, ensuring on-time and on-spec execution.
• Support the manufacturing team with assembly guidance, installation recommendations, and technical clarification throughout production.
• Conduct system testing and quality inspections to validate performance against design intent and customer requirements.
• Produce and maintain engineering and quality documentation in compliance with project and company standards.

Customer & Sales Collaboration

• Engage directly with customers to identify application requirements, define system specifications, and deliver technically sound solutions.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to customers and inside/outside sales representatives, supporting the full sales cycle from inquiry through close.
• Participate in customer and supplier visits as needed to support application development, troubleshooting, or relationship building.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree in a technical discipline (Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field) — or equivalent hands-on industry experience
• 3 years of technical experience in fluid power system design, hydraulics, pneumatics, or related application engineering
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software
• Experience creating hydraulic/pneumatic circuit schematics and technical drawings
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex system issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills — able to convey technical concepts clearly to both engineering and non-engineering audiences
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, as well as collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team

Preferred Qualifications:

• IFPS (International Fluid Power Society) certification or coursework — Hydraulic Specialist, Pneumatic Specialist, or Fluid Power Engineer designation a plus
• Experience developing BOMs and technical quotations in an ERP or CRM environment (NetSuite experience a plus)
• Background supporting manufacturing operations or working in an industrial distribution or OEM environment
• Familiarity with system integration, mobile hydraulics, or industrial automation applications