Applications Engineer, Sr.

Description

The Senior Applications Engineer serves as a technical leader and trusted advisor to customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders in developing hydraulic solutions that meet complex application requirements. This role is responsible for evaluating customer needs, selecting and integrating appropriate products, designing hydraulic systems and integrated circuits, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing engineering support throughout the product lifecycle.

Leveraging advanced technical expertise and industry experience, the Senior Applications Engineer leads complex customer application projects, provides technical guidance, and supports the development of engineering best practices. This individual plays a key role in mentoring, training, and assisting junior engineers in the evaluation, design, and support of customer applications while serving as a subject matter expert for hydraulic systems and products.

The following reflects management's definition of the essential functions of this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs require.

Partner with customers to understand application requirements, operating conditions, and performance objectives.

Review system requirements and recommend hydraulic products and solutions that meet technical and commercial objectives.

Design and develop custom Hydraulic Integrated Circuits (HICs) and system solutions based on customer specifications.

Create and interpret hydraulic schematics, layouts, and supporting technical documentation.

Lead technically complex customer applications from concept through implementation and validation.

Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for customers, distributors, field personnel, and internal teams.

Conduct testing, analyze performance data, and prepare engineering reports and recommendations.

Support product integration, validation, and application testing activities.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Sales teams to resolve technical challenges and improve product performance.

Communicate technical concepts and solutions effectively to customers, sales managers, and engineering teams.

Investigate root causes of technical issues and recommend corrective actions.

Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for hydraulic products, systems, and applications.

Mentor, coach, and assist in the training and development of junior Applications Engineers and other technical team members.

Support customer visits, field evaluations, trade shows, and technical training activities as required.

Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitor technologies, and emerging hydraulic applications.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, engineering standards, and best practices.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

May provide technical leadership, mentorship, and project guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in hydraulics, fluid power, mobile equipment, industrial equipment, or related technical applications.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex customer applications and providing technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, hydraulic symbols, and the ability to read, interpret, and develop hydraulic schematics.
• Experience designing Hydraulic Integrated Circuits (HICs) and application-specific hydraulic solutions.
• Experience performing engineering analysis and documenting findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues independently.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively influence customers and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and support the development of less-experienced engineers.
• Ability to work independently while leading technical initiatives in a collaborative team environment.
• Preferred
• Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with mobile and/or industrial hydraulic systems.
• Experience with electro-hydraulic controls, PLCs, sensors, and automation technologies.
• Experience supporting OEM customers and field applications.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, testing methodologies, and root-cause analysis techniques.
• Key Competencies
• Technical Leadership
• Hydraulic Systems Expertise
• Customer Focus
• Advanced Problem Solving
• Engineering Analysis
• Project Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Coaching and Mentorship
• Relationship Building
• Continuous Improvement
• Physical Requirements
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:
• Sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate office and testing equipment.
• Occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Travel to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and testing locations as needed.
• Work Environment
• This position operates in a combination of office, laboratory, manufacturing, and customer field environments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, varying temperatures, and moderate to loud noise levels during testing or customer support activities.
• Travel
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally, as required.
• Additional Information

Conditions

Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable.