Engineer, Test - Hydraulics

Danfoss GmbH; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring

Work-life balance

Inclusive culture

Benefits package

Job summary

Danfoss Power Solutions in Ames, IA is seeking an Engineer, Test - Hydraulics to own the hydraulic end‑of‑line test stands, ensuring quality and safety before shipping. You’ll drive improvements, implement new tech, and collaborate with manufacturing teams daily.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting across electrical, hydraulic, and control systems, with PLC programming and PLC troubleshooting experience.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Agricultural, or Fluid Power Engineering.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and the ability to read hydraulic schematics.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of electrical hardware, hydraulic circuits, and control software.
• Experience with a programming language like C or C#.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (max. 10% of time).

Responsibilities

• Design and improve fluid power circuits for production test stands to meet test objectives.
• Automate test sequences using PC and PLC programming.
• Select and integrate hydraulic components for optimal performance.
• Own the functionality and quality of production test equipment.
• Participate in specification, design, and commissioning of new test stands with vendors.
• Lead continuous improvement projects for test stands.
• Troubleshoot with maintenance, technicians, and IT to resolve line-down issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and safety teams to drive improvements.

Skills

Fluid power systems

Hydraulic schematics

Electrical & control hardware

C or C# programming

Willingness to travel

Education

BS in Mechanical, Agricultural, or Fluid Power Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, Eplan)

SQL Server / Oracle

Data acquisition (DAQ)

Job description

Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment

Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering

Work Location Type: On-site

Job Experience Level: Associate

Engineer, Test - Hydraulics

Req ID: 51911 Job Location: Ames, IA, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering Work Location Type: On-site Job Experience Level: Associate Job Description

The Impact You'll Make

Are you passionate about the intersection of hardware, software, and fluid power? Danfoss is looking for an innovative Test Engineer to be the go-to expert for our hydraulic end‑of‑line production test stands. You will be the critical link ensuring the quality, safety, and functionality of our products before they are ship ped to customer s . This role is central to our manufacturing operations, where you will drive continuous improvement, implement new technologies, and solve complex challenges daily. This position requires a high level of self-learning, augmented by company mentoring.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and improve fluid power circuits for our production test stands to meet component test objectives.


• Automate test sequences using PC and PLC programming


• Select and integrate hydraulic components, including valves, pumps, motors, and sensors, to ensure optimal performance.


• Take ownership of the functionality and quality of our production test equipment.


• Participate in the specification, design, and commissioning of new production test stands with external vendors.


• Lead continuous improvement projects to maintain and upgrade existing test stands.


• Act as a key technical resource for troubleshooting, assisting maintenance, process technicians, and IT to resolve line-down situations quickly and effectively.


• Drive improvements and influence outcomes by collaborating with manufacturing, quality, and safety teams.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical, Agricultural, or Fluid Power Engineering, or related field.


• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and the ability to read hydraulic schematics.


• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting complex systems that involve electrical hardware, hydraulic circuits, and control software.


• Experience with a programming language like C or C#


• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (max. 10% of time).

Preferred Experience:

• 2+ years of engineering experience.


• Direct experience with PLC programming, especially Siemens TIA Portal (STL/SCL).


• Knowledge of data acquisition (DAQ), signal conditioning, and data analysis.


• Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, Eplan).


• Knowledge of database fundamentals (SQL Server, Oracle).


• Experience in the design of hydraulic systems for agricultural or construction machinery.

What You’ll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.


• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. Your well‑being matters to us.


• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.


• You’ll receive benefits like annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Want to know more? Please visit our F AQ Pag e .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off‑highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family‑owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long‑term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.