Hydraulics System Engineer

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Hydraulic System Characterization : Reverse-engineer and document OEM hydraulic circuits (pumps, main control valves, pilot circuits, steering and brake systems), producing ISO 1219 schematics and PQ, pressure, and…
• EH Actuation Design : Design retrofit electro-hydraulic interfaces (proportional pilot valves, steering and brake valves, shuttle/selector logic, and manifolds) that give the autonomy stack precise control while…
• Component Selection & Sizing : Specify and size valves, manifolds, hoses, fittings, sensors (pressure, position, flow), filters, and accumulators against flow, pressure, response, and duty-cycle requirements.
• Functional Safety : Partner with the safety team to define safe states and failure behavior for hydraulic actuation; contribute to DFMEA, FTA, and hazard analysis in line with ISO 13849 and ISO 25119.
• Controls Collaboration : Work with controls and software engineers on valve modeling, deadband and hysteresis compensation, and closed-loop tuning; support system identification on the machine.
• Routing & Packaging : Define hose and tube routing, manifold placement, and mounting within tight machine envelopes, accounting for articulation, abrasion, heat, and service access.
• Test & Validation : Plan and execute bench and on-machine tests (pressure, flow, leak, response, endurance, and contamination) and drive root cause on hydraulic issues found in the field.
• Prototype Build Support : Hands-on plumbing, commissioning, and bleeding of prototype systems; work alongside technicians in the shop and at customer job sites.

Job requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Agricultural/Fluid Power Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience: 7+ years designing, integrating, or testing hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems for mobile machinery (construction, agricultural, mining, or off-highway vehicles).
• Hydraulics Fundamentals: Strong command of open/closed-center and load-sensing circuits, pilot-operated and proportional valves, pump/valve PQ behavior, and hydraulic schematic reading and authoring (ISO 1219).
• Fluid Dynamics: Solid grounding in the fluid mechanics behind hydraulic systems, including orifice and flow equations, laminar vs.
• Tools: Hands-on with pressure/flow instrumentation and data acquisition; familiarity with CAN/J1939 and hydraulic simulation (e.g., Amesim, Simscape, Automation Studio) a plus.
• Functional Safety: Exposure to ISO 13849, ISO 25119, or similar standards a plus.