Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Agricultural/Fluid Power Engineering, or equivalent experience
7+ years in hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems for mobile machinery
Strong understanding of hydraulic circuits and schematic authoring (ISO 1219)
Solid grounding in fluid mechanics and hydraulic system dynamics
Hands-on experience with pressure/flow instrumentation and data acquisition
Familiarity with CAN/J1939 and hydraulic simulation tools is a plus
Exposure to functional safety standards like ISO 13849 or ISO 25119 is a plus
Responsibilities
Reverse-engineer and document OEM hydraulic circuits for autonomous control
Design retrofit electro-hydraulic interfaces for precise control
Specify and size hydraulic components based on performance requirements
Define safe states and failure behavior for hydraulic actuation
Collaborate with controls engineers on valve modeling and tuning
Define routing and packaging for hydraulic systems within machinery
Plan and execute tests to validate hydraulic system performance
Support prototype builds and hands-on commissioning
Lead technical engagement with hydraulic suppliers from RFQ to validation
Maintain documentation throughout the product lifecycle
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance
Retirement savings plan with company match
Flexible work hours and remote work options
Professional development opportunities
Paid time off and holidays
Full Job Description
Description
As a Hydraulics System Engineer, you will own the hydraulic and electro-hydraulic (EH) actuation that lets our autonomy kit command steering, braking, implements, and travel on construction machines such as excavators, articulated dump trucks, scrapers, graders, compactors, and wheel loaders. You will characterize OEM hydraulic systems, design retrofit valve and pilot-control interfaces that preserve factory function and serviceability, and work with controls, electrical, software, safety, and supply chain teams to turn those interfaces into reliable, manufacturable, functionally safe subsystems. Your work has to perform in the field - under high pressure, contamination, heat, shock and vibration, and around-the-clock duty cycles on active job sites.
Key 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 response characterization for autonomous control.
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 keeping manual operation intact.
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.
Supplier & Vendor Management: Lead technical engagement with hydraulic suppliers (e.g., Danfoss, Bosch Rexroth, Hydac, Parker, Eaton) from RFQ through validation, including make-vs-buy evaluations.
Documentation & BOM: Maintain schematics, BOMs, installation procedures, and service documentation through the product lifecycle and into field deployment.
Qualifications & Skills
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. turbulent flow, pressure losses, viscosity and temperature effects, bulk modulus and compressibility, cavitation and aeration, and pressure transients.
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.
