Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer

Description

JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer/Branch Manager is responsible for planning, leading, and delivering large-scale, high-complexity hydraulic projects. As a technical expert and project leader, this role collaborates across departments, aligns engineering output with strategic goals, and ensures design quality, performance, and innovation throughout all phases of system development. 

With a dotted line the Director of Operations, the Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer/Branch Manager, is responsible for managing the Fluid System Components New Berlin facility. They will work closely with the Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing departments to accomplish necessary tasks. The position follows standard work methods and practices safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible. 

The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer/Branch Manager builds strong internal and external relationships, contributes to a collaborative culture, and consistently demonstrates integrity and accountability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Applications Support

• Lead technical evaluations during pre-sales and project scoping stages
• Define hydraulic system architecture based on performance and application requirements
• Drive technical proposal creation, ensuring feasibility and cost alignment
• Interface with customers and sales teams to clarify specifications and technical deliverables
• Identify potential risks or gaps early in the application phase and provide mitigation strategies

Review Product Design

• Set and enforce engineering standards, design practices, and review protocols
• Guide key design decisions across multiple projects and engineering teams
• Lead complex design reviews involving cross-disciplinary feedback
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety codes, industry standards, and internal QA processes
• Evaluate prototype and test results to inform design iterations and system validation

Field Service and Project Support

• Oversee development of commissioning plans, field test procedures, and validation documentation
• Lead resolution of escalated field issues, coordinating multidisciplinary resources as needed
• Analyze failure data and implement corrective/preventative measures across designs
• Support post-installation reviews and customer feedback loops for continuous improvement

Branch Manager Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the New Berlin operation
• Coordinate outside contractors for building maintenance
• Manage New Berlin Office and Shop expenses

Clerical/General Administrative

• Align technical milestones with overall project schedules and business priorities
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), technical risks, and resource utilization
• Lead project reporting and communication with senior leadership and stakeholders

COMPETENCIES:

• Deep expertise in industrial hydraulic systems, controls, and fluid dynamics
• Strong leadership in technical planning, resource coordination, and project delivery
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and system-level integration
• Effective communicator across technical, operational, and executive audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize tasks, and make sound engineering decisions

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs and visit industrial facilities or customer sites
• Must be capable of analyzing complex data, making decisions, and working independently
• Visual abilities include color perception, depth, and near/far vision essential for schematic work
• Requires attention to detail, multitasking, and mental focus in a dynamic work environment

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Typical office setting with regular visits to shop floor and customer facilities
• 40-hour work week, with occasional evening/weekend support depending on project needs
• Use of standard office equipment, CAD stations, and engineering tools
• Travel requirement: Up to 15%

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power, or related field
• 7–10 years of experience (or 13-16 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree)
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and hydraulic simulation tools (e.g., Automation Studio, Simscape)
• Familiarity with UL, CE, ISO, or other industry-specific compliance and safety standards
• Track record of delivering high-performance, custom-engineered hydraulic systems
• Ability to manage a facility in a safe, cost-effective, and comfortable working environment.