Hydraulics Specialist Technician

Sofraco Engineering; Sydney; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pay

Remote/offshore trip earnings

Job summary

Sofraco Engineering is seeking a hands-on hydraulics specialist based at Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, with occasional travel to offshore or remote locations for short trips. This long‑term, full‑time role offers varied and meaningful work in a safety‑focused environment where autonomy and technical capability are valued.

You will work with mechanical, electrical and control systems tradespeople to diagnose and troubleshoot fixed electrohydraulic systems, perform breakdowns and workshops,

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Fluid Power or equivalent Australian trade qualification
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience
• Onsite hydraulics experience highly desirable
• Experience with pumps, motors, valves, cylinders and power units in overhaul/testing
• Strong understanding of hydraulic/electrical schematics desirable
• Rigging experience desirable
• Marine or offshore experience desirable
• Safety mindset with WHS practices
• Ability to work in a team and independently, including remote reporting
• Additional tickets (Confined Space, Heights, Rigging, EWP, Forklift) beneficial
• White Card or willingness to obtain
• Australian Citizens required for security clearance
• Willingness to undergo police clearance, drug and medical testing

Responsibilities

• Inspect and maintain shipboard hydraulic & pneumatic systems including winches, lifting gear and pump sets
• Breakdown & workshop overhauls as required
• Assist with fault identification, troubleshooting & reporting of electrohydraulic systems
• Pressure testing of valves and hydraulic components
• Load testing of winches and lifting equipment
• Adhere to safety policies including JSEA's, permits, isolations and risk analysis
• Provide clear job notes and photographs of work completed

Skills

Diagnostics

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Education

Certificate IV in Fluid Power

Job description

This hands‑on position is primarily based at the iconic Garden Island Naval Base, with additional work carried out across the Sydney region. You'll have opportunities for occasional travel to offshore or remote locations for short‑duration testing and service tasks, generously remunerated on top of your hourly rate. This is a long‑term, full‑time position offering varied and meaningful work in a supportive, safety‑focused environment where autonomy and technical capability are valued.

Working in conjunction with mechanical, electrical and control systems tradesman/engineers you will have the opportunity to conduct a high volume of system diagnostics and troubleshooting on a range of fixed electrohydraulic systems.

Why is this job better?

• Iconic worksite (Garden Island Naval Base) at the heart of Sydney
• Challenging, high‑variety technical work
• Defence industry stability & long-term growth
• Work/life balance with Sydney-based heavy industry work
• Excellent pay + additional earnings for optional remote/offshore trips
• Work autonomously with strong team support

The Company

Sofraco is a premium engineering partner to Defence, Marine and Commercial industries, offering a genuine work-life balance with great office and worksite locations. As an energetic and highly skilled team, we draw on over 35 years of experience to deliver trusted technical support across multiple engineering disciplines.

Working with us also means contributing to Australia's rapidly expanding defence industry, which is currently undergoing historic growth, with over $200 billion invested nationally in modernising defence capability and an industry value increase of 12.4% in 2023–24 alone. This sector offers long-term career security, cutting‑edge technology exposure, and strong national significance—making Sofraco an ideal place to build a rewarding and balanced career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect and regular maintenance on shipboard machinery including hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, winches, lifting gear and pump sets.
• Breakdown & workshop overhauls as required.
• Assist with fault identification, troubleshooting & condition reporting of electrohydraulic systems in conjunction with other disciplines.
• Pressure testing of valves and hydraulic components
• Load testing of winches and lifting equipment
• Adhere to company safety policies and procedures, including JSEA's, permits to work, Isolations and risk analysis
• Provide clear job notes and photographs of work completed.

Key Requirements & Qualifications:

• Certificate IV in Fluid Power or similar (Australian trade recognised)
• Minimum Experience 10 years
• Hydraulics experience onsite work (Highly desirable)
• Workshop strip, assessment, overhaul and testing experience of pumps/motors/valves/cylinders and power units (Highly desirable)
• Strong understanding of systems schematics (highly desirable)
• Rigging experience (desirable)
• Marine or Offshore experience (desirable)
• Strong safety mindset and understanding of WHS practices.
• Able to work in a team and independently, including remote job reporting
• Additional tickets (Confined Space, Working Safely at Heights, Rigging, EWP, Forklift) beneficial.
• General Construction Induction Card (White Card) or willingness to obtain
• Australian Citizens (required for security clearance)
• Willingness to obtain national police certificate for security
• Willingness to complete drug and alcohol testing
• Willingness to complete medical testing for basic health, mobility and fitness