Hydraulics Technician

Sofraco Engineering; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofraco is seeking a hands-on hydraulics specialist for a secure, long-term role based at Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney. The position offers a predictable roster from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays, with occasional travel to offshore or remote sites for short-duration testing.

Maintenance and diagnostics on fixed electrohydraulic systems form the core. You will work alongside mechanical, electrical and control systems trades, with autonomy in a

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Fluid Power (Australian trade recognised).
• Minimum 5–10+ years highly experienced trade background.
• Hydraulics onsite work highly desirable.
• Workshop strip, assessment, overhaul and testing experience of pumps/motors/valves/cylinders and power units desirable.
• Strong understanding of systems schematics desirable; rigging experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Diagnostics & Fault Finding: Assist with fault identification, troubleshooting & condition reporting of electrohydraulic systems with other engineering disciplines.
• Vessel Maintenance: Inspect and perform regular maintenance on shipboard machinery including hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, winches, lifting gear and pump sets.
• Component Testing: Pressure testing of valves and hydraulic components, and load testing of winches and lifting equipment.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow safety policies and permits to work, Isolations and risk analysis.
• Reporting: Provide clear job notes and photographs of work completed.

Skills

Diagnostics & Fault Finding

Vessel Maintenance

Component Testing

Safety & Compliance

Reporting

Education

Certificate IV in Fluid Power

Job description

Looking for a secure, long-term role with an early 1:00 PM Friday finish? This hands‑on position is primarily based at the iconic Garden Island Naval Base, with additional work carried out across the Sydney region. Enjoy a stable, predictable roster working 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays. You'll have lucrative opportunities for occasional travel to offshore or remote locations for short‑duration testing and service tasks, generously remunerated well on top of your hourly rate. This is a secure, 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: Based at the historic Garden Island Naval Base right at the heart of Sydney.
• Early Friday finish: Great work/life balance with 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Mon–Thu and a short 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM shift on Fridays
• Challenging, high‑variety technical work: Dive into complex, high-volume system diagnostics, overhauls, and troubleshooting.
• Industry stability: Long-term career security backed by massive, sustained growth in the Australian Defence sector.
• Boost your earnings: Excellent base pay rates plus highly lucrative additional loading for optional remote or offshore travel.
• Professional growth: Clear training and development opportunities to expand your technical capability.
• Autonomy & support: Work independently on critical tasks while backed by a strong, multidisciplinary team.
• Meaningful impact: Take pride in a role that directly supports and maintains national sovereignty.

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:

• Diagnostics & Fault Finding: Assist with fault identification, troubleshooting & condition reporting of electrohydraulic systems in conjunction with other engineering disciplines.
• Vessel Maintenance: Inspect and regular maintenance on shipboard machinery including hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, winches, lifting gear and pump sets.
• Component Testing: Pressure testing of valves and hydraulic components, as well as load testing of winches and lifting equipment.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to company safety policies and procedures, including JSEA's, permits to work, Isolations and risk analysis.
• Reporting: Provide clear job notes and photographs of work completed.

Key Requirements & Qualifications:

• Certificate IV in Fluid Power or similar (Australian trade recognised)
• Highly experienced trade background (Minimum 5–10+ 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

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