Research & Development EngineerAcoustics & Hydraulic SystemsPosition SummarySargent has an immediate opening for a Research & Development Engineer specializing in hydraulic systems and acoustics. This position reports to the R&D Manager and is responsible for supporting the development, testing, diagnosis, and improvement of new hydraulic products, research prototypes, and existing production designs.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong engineering fundamentals in hydraulic systems, testing, data analysis, and technical communication while developing or possessing specialized expertise in acoustics, vibration, and dynamic behavior of hydraulic systems.
Essential ResponsibilitiesCore Engineering Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and execute laboratory and field testing of hydraulic components and systems.
- Develop, validate, and utilize hydraulic component and system models to evaluate performance and support product development.
- Interpret and create hydraulic schematics and P&IDs in accordance with ANSI Y32.10/5.1 standards.
- Configure, operate, and troubleshoot data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.
- Analyze test data and correlate experimental results to hydraulic models and theoretical predictions.
- Prepare technical reports, test procedures, engineering analyses, and design documentation.
- Utilize product line knowledge and lessons learned to guide design improvements and development activities.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and product management teams to support new product development and sustain existing products.
- Design and develop test fixtures, tooling, and prototype hardware required to support development activities.
Acoustics & Dynamics Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct acoustic and vibration characterization testing of hydraulic products and systems.
- Identify and diagnose fluid-borne and structure-borne noise mechanisms.
- Perform signal processing and frequency-domain analysis to evaluate system dynamics and acoustic performance.
- Utilize experimental and analytical methods to identify root causes of acoustic, vibration, and hydraulic performance issues.
- Develop and implement solutions to improve acoustic performance, system stability, durability, and overall product performance.
- Research and evaluate advanced concepts related to hydraulic dynamics, vibration control, and noise reduction technologies.
- Develop design guidelines, test methods, and engineering best practices from experimental findings.
Qualifications Required- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ph.D. (conferred or impending) in Mechanical Engineering, Acoustical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- Strong understanding of fluid power systems, system dynamics, vibration, acoustics, or related engineering disciplines.
- Experience conducting experimental testing and troubleshooting complex engineering systems.
- Experience acquiring, processing, and analyzing engineering data.
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude demonstrated through professional or personal projects.
- Demonstrated technical writing and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative engineering team.
- Capable of independently planning and executing engineering assignments.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, actuators, or fluid power systems.
- Experience with acoustic testing, vibration analysis, modal analysis, or system identification.
- Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or similar engineering analysis tools.
- Familiarity with Bruel & Kjaer hardware and software for data acquisition and processing.
- Knowledge of digital signal processing, spectral analysis, and filtering techniques.
- Experience correlating analytical models with experimental results.
- CFD experience related to hydraulic components or system performance.
- Experience selecting sensors and developing instrumentation packages for laboratory testing.
- Experience designing test fixtures, tooling, and prototype hardware.
- Knowledge of impedance/mobility modeling, vibration isolation methods, or wave propagation theory.
- Experience leading technical investigations or development programs.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.
- Recognized technical expertise in acoustics, hydraulic dynamics, testing, or related specialty disciplines.
- Ability to develop new test methods, analytical approaches, and engineering best practices.
- Proven ability to influence technical direction across multiple projects and functional areas.
Company Benefits Include:
- Competitive Compensation
- Bonus platforms
- Holidays/Vacation/Sick Time
- 401k Savings & Investment Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Medical/Dental/Vision Plans
- HSA/FSA
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Accident/Hospital/Critical Care Plans
- Pet Insurance
- Gym & Rideshare Incentives
- Legal Insurance/Identity Theft
- Flexible Schedules
- 3 & 4-day work week
- ½ day Fridays
Dedication to our core values. Our must haves...
- Integrity, We do the right thing the right way. Our ideal candidate is ethical, honest in all interactions, delivers good news and bad, and follows through on commitments. Key Skills & Abilities is fair, credible, confidential, fiscally responsible and accountable for decisions and actions.
- Respects and Values People. - We encourage and bring out the potential of others. Our ideal candidate embraces diversity, recognizes and supports the accomplishments, talents and development of others. Key Skills & Abilities is committed to the building of strong relationships and creates an environment of trust and mutual respect.
- Customer Focus - We act with excellence in each and every interaction. Our ideal candidate builds strong internal/external customer relationships and goes above and beyond to deliver high quality products and services on time, every time. Key Skills & Abilities is responsive with strong customer service skills, product and job knowledge to provide excellent customer satisfaction.
- Teamwork - We are better together. Our ideal candidate is inclusive, engaged and collaborative, sharing information, ideas and experiences to accomplish goals, improve decision making and leverage capabilities. Key Skills & Abilities is a dependable team player, demonstrated through attendance and punctuality, works well with others and has strong communication skills (both oral & written) to keep all stakeholders informed.
- Results Focus - We focus on the outcome, not the obstacle. Our ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic with a results/performance driven track record in a fast paced, changing and challenging environment. Key Skills & Abilities is adaptable, works with a sense of urgency and high level of initiative and demonstrates a commitment to quality with attention to detail.
- Continual Improvement - We encourage and drive innovation. Our ideal candidate must be naturally curious, passionate and never satisfied with the status quo. Key Skills & Abilities is innovative and has a problem-solving mindset that provides and implements CI ideas.
