Application Engineer

FCX Performance; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies in Lenexa, KS is seeking a Hydraulic Applications Engineer to design, develop, and support hydraulic systems for customer applications. You will apply strong technical engineering expertise and problem-solving to deliver performance, safety, and reliability.

Collaborate with sales, product teams, manufacturing, and customers to create technically sound, cost-efficient solutions, perform calculations and simulations, and support field testing and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power Engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience designing hydraulic systems and selecting components for performance and reliability.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and hydraulic simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design hydraulic systems, schematics, and component specs for new and existing applications.
• Provide expert technical support to customers, distributors, and internal teams; translate requirements into engineering solutions.
• Lead on-site diagnostics, commissioning, and performance optimization; prepare installation guides and training materials.

Skills

Hydraulic system design

Customer-facing communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

AutoCAD

Hydraulic simulation tools

Job description

The Hydraulic Applications Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting hydraulic systems and solutions for customer applications. This role combines strong technical engineering expertise with customer-facing problem‑solving, ensuring that hydraulic components and systems meet performance, safety, and quality requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with sales, product management, manufacturing, and customers to provide technically sound and cost‑effective solutions.

Engineering & Technical Design

• Develop hydraulic system designs, schematics, and component specifications for new and existing applications.
• Select hydraulic components (pumps, valves, motors, cylinders, manifolds, filtration, etc.) based on performance, cost, and reliability criteria.
• Perform hydraulic calculations and simulations, including flow, pressure, cooling, horsepower, and efficiency analysis.
• Support prototype builds and oversee system testing, troubleshooting, and validation.

Customer & Sales Support

• Provide expert‑level technical support to customers, distributors, and internal sales teams.
• Interpret customer requirements and translate them into engineering solutions and proposals.
• Conduct on‑site visits for diagnostics, commissioning, and performance optimization.
• Prepare technical documentation, including application notes, installation guides, and training materials.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage projects from concept through implementation, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Work with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure products are manufacturable, available, and cost‑effective.
• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives and product development projects.

Troubleshooting & Field Support

• Diagnose hydraulic system issues, including pressure instability, heat generation, contamination, and performance loss.
• Recommend corrective actions and provide root cause analysis.
• Support warranty investigations and corrective engineering measures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power Engineering, or related technical field (required).
• 3–5+ years of experience in hydraulic system design, fluid power applications, or mobile/industrial equipment engineering.
• Experience with hydraulic controls, electro‑hydraulics, or proportional/servo valve technology preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD) and hydraulic simulation tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value‑added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi‑channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.