Fluid Power Specialist Development Program

FCX Performance; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial technology company seeks a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Specialist Trainee to develop expertise in hydraulic and pneumatic systems while providing technical solutions to customers. You will engage in training and hands-on problem-solving, enhancing customer relationships and contributing to business growth. Ideal candidates will have a technical degree or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a desire to grow in a customer-facing role. This position is available nationwide, offering a dynamic career path in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree or experience working with technical products.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop hydraulic and pneumatic knowledge through training.
• Assist in refining the developmental program for effectiveness.
• Build customer presence as a technical consultant.

Skills

Hydraulic and pneumatic knowledge

Customer communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Education

2-year technical degree or relevant experience

Tools

MS Office

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

A Hydraulic/Pneumatic Specialist Trainee at Applied Industrial Technologies develops their knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic solutions, troubleshooting systems and basic customer management skills in order to step into a Fluid Power Specialist role defining and offering technical solutions to customers. They spend the majority of their time in virtual/in-person training, shadowing current Specialists and working behind the scenes to answer technical questions and solve real-world issues. In doing so they learn to be a business development partner with Applied’s customer facing team of Account Managers located in our US Service Centers, playing the role of a local technical expert building relationships with existing and new customers throughout their assigned territory and growing our business.

These positions are nationwide!

Core Responsibilities

• Development of hydraulic & pneumatic component, system and troubleshooting knowledge through training and supervised hands‑on problem solving
• Development of customer presence as a technical consultant / trusted advisor through supervised observational visits to customers
• Assist development of the Fluid Power collaborative knowledge base including applications, interchanges, case histories, documented value‑added activities, market activities and competitor activities
• Assist further refinement of the developmental program to increase effectiveness for those to follow

Position Requirements

• 2‑year technical degree or experience working with technical products
• General mechanical aptitude (mechanical experience a plus)
• Strong written & verbal communication & English grammar skills
• Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to clearly communicate technical thoughts and solutions to multiple levels
• Demonstrated self‑starter skills with a sense of urgency, a bias for action and ability to execute remotely
• Organizational skills and time‑management skills
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred

• Internship or related work experience in a customer facing role (e.g., sales or customer service), especially with exposure to hydraulic and/or pneumatic components
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and system schematics
• Familiarity with MS Office and remote collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing)

Desired Characteristics

• A desire and passion to learn & grow skills
• Highly developed listening and questioning skills
• Ability and desire to understand new products, industry trends, processes and systems
• Strong desire to build a career that focuses on value‑added problem solving
• Results‑oriented, attention to detail, and good time‑management skills
• Potential to fill leadership roles in the future

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.