Job Description

Position Summary Senior Application Engineer is responsible for the development, application, and technical support of hydraulic cylinder products within mobile and industrial hydraulic systems. This role serves as the technical interface between customers, sales, and internal engineering/manufacturing teams to ensure optimized, cost-effective, and manufacturable cylinder solutions.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in hydraulic cylinder design, and strong working knowledge of complete hydraulic systems, and the ability to translate customer requirements into robust engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Application Engineering & Customer Interface

· Lead technical discussions with customers to define system requirements, duty cycles, and performance expectations

· Translate customer specifications into hydraulic cylinder designs and proposals

· Support sales with technical presentations, product recommendations, and value engineering

· Review and interpret system schematics to ensure proper cylinder integration

Hydraulic System Expertise

· Analyze full hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, load-holding devices, and control strategies

· Ensure proper cylinder sizing based on pressure, flow, load cases, and system dynamics

· Evaluate system interactions such as:

o Regeneration circuits

o Counterbalance / load-holding valves

o Flow dividers and synchronization

o Pre-compensated vs. post-compensated systems

· Troubleshoot field and customer issues related to system performance

Cylinder Design & Development

· Design hydraulic cylinders including:

o Bore/stroke sizing

o Rod buckling analysis (Euler calculations)

o Mount selection and load paths

o Seal system selection and validation

o Material selection and surface treatments (e.g., chrome, HVOF)

· Ensure designs meet customer specifications, internal standards, and regulatory requirements

· Develop 3D models, drawings, and bills of material

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with manufacturing, sourcing, and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM)

· Support prototype builds and Start of Production (SOP) activities

· Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives

· Interface with suppliers for technical alignment on components (seals, tubing, rod materials, etc.)

Validation & Testing

· Define validation plans including pressure testing, fatigue testing, and environmental testing

· Review test results and implement design improvements as required

· Support failure analysis and root cause investigations

Requirements

· Education: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in related field

· 5-10 years’ experience in hydraulic cylinder and/or system design

· Strong Understanding of hydraulic systems and components (CFPE Preferred)

· Proficiency in engineering calculations (stress, buckling, pressure, fatigue)

· Ability to read and interpret hydraulic schematics

· Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written responsibilities

· Must be a self-starter, self-motivated and be able to embrace multiple responsibilities simultaneously with minimum guidance

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in mobile equipment markets (construction, agriculture, mining)

· Knowledge of sealing systems and suppliers (e.g., Hallite, Trelleborg)

· Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., Oracle, Windchill)

· Experience working with ITAR-controlled projects

· Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing experience

Travel

Greater than 30%

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.