Industrial Hydraulics Application Engineer in Louisville, Kentucky at Hydrotech Isaacs

JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:

The Industrial Hydraulics Application Engineer serves as the primary technical expert supporting the sales and engineering teams in delivering high-performance hydraulic solutions. This individual is responsible for driving and managing technical evaluations throughout the sales process, ensuring proposed systems meet customer requirements and industry standards. By combining a deep understanding of hydraulic principles, control technologies, and applications with customer-facing skills, this role supports project success from concept through commissioning.

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Applications Support

• Engage with sales teams and customers to define system requirements and application needs
• Develop and evaluate hydraulic schematics, circuit logic, and system layouts
• Select and size pumps, valves, actuators, accumulators, and filtration components
• Prepare technical proposals, bills of materials (BOM), and concept designs
• Provide detailed technical input for project quotations and timelines

Review Product Design

• Ensure system designs meet engineering principles, safety codes, and customer specifications
• Approve design changes and documentation in collaboration with engineering teams
• Coordinate prototype testing, factory acceptance testing, and validation activities
• Work with customer engineering to finalize system architecture and approvals
• Recommend improvements based on field performance, wear analysis, or failure modes

Field Service and Project Support

• Provide startup, tuning, and commissioning support on-site as required
• Diagnose hydraulic issues and provide remote or hands-on support
• Collaborate with service teams and 3rd-party integrators for seamless implementation
• Maintain working knowledge of legacy equipment and systems for retrofit projects

Clerical/General Administrative

• Respond to technical inquiries, prepare reports, and maintain project records
• Participate in internal training, process improvements, and documentation updates
• Support the production and assembly team with technical documentation and troubleshooting

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong foundation in hydraulic theory and industrial applications
• Familiarity with mobile/off-highway and/or industrial stationary systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven problem-solving and project management capabilities
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, CAD and hydraulic modeling software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar)

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%

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power , or a related discipline
• 2-4 years of experience (or 8-10 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree)
• Proficiency in hydraulic circuit design, sizing, and component selection
• Experience with Industry standards UL and CE is a plus
• Registered Engineer or eligible for registration within 2 years