Fluid Power Specialist - Hydraulic & Pneumatic

Applied Fluid Power; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Fluid Power is seeking a Fluid Power MRO Specialist to act as a local technical expert within the US Service Center network, driving new business while supporting Account Managers. The role emphasizes problem solving, training, and collaboration to deliver fluid power solutions.

You will work with customers to review drawings, prepare proposals, and build relationships with suppliers. Strong communication and multi-tasking are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years fluid power experience in hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and schematics.
• Strong communication skills to explain solutions to varied audiences.
• Experience with MS Office and remote collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage high potential accounts with regional service centers to meet sales goals.
• Serve as local technical fluid power expert interfacing with customers and internal teams.
• Prepare and present fluid power solutions, review drawings and plans for proposals.
• Conduct fluid power training for internal staff and customers.
• Develop relationships with supplier resources to specify products and systems.
• Coordinate projects with service center personnel.
• Contribute to the fluid power knowledge base with case histories and activities.

Skills

Fluid power experience

Mechanical aptitude

Technical drawings

Technical communication

English proficiency

Time management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Technical Diploma/Bachelor's Degree or extensive experience

Tools

MS Office

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

As the world’s largest fluid power distributor, Applied Industrial Technologies® and the Applied Fluid Power® network of companies provide dedicated fluid power support and custom designed solutions that meet customer performance goals and keep industry running. Additionally, Applied Industrial Technologies® and the Applied Fluid Power® network of companies has one of the largest teams of Certified Fluid Power Specialists, Certified Electronic Control Specialists and Certified Fluid Power Mechanics to assist with problem solving, system building, troubleshooting, and other custom requirements.

A Fluid Power MRO Specialist at Applied Industrial Technologies uses their knowledge of hydraulic/pneumatic fluid power solutions combined with basic customer management skills to define and offer technical solutions to customers. They spend the majority of their time as a business development partner with our team of Account Managers located in our US Service Centers playing the role of local, technical expert building relationships with existing and new customers throughout their assigned territory and growing our business.

This key role has a direct impact on our customer’s and Applied Industrial Technologies’ business results.

Core Responsibilities

• Cooperatively create and execute an engagement plan with local US Service Center sales teams identifying and engaging high potential accounts in assigned region including local and strategic accounts to achieve sales and profit goals
• Act as local, technical fluid power expert in assigned region including facilitating technical supplier interactions with internal sales teams and customers
• Confer with customers, supplier representatives and internal resources to prepare and present fluid power solutions to both internal associates and customers in order to drive new business. This includes reviewing installed solutions, drawings, plans and other customer documents to prepare technical proposals involving products and services offered.
• Conduct fluid power training for both internal associates and customers to increase knowledge of Fluid Power and demonstrate expertise and value
• Develop professional working relationships with key supplier resources to help specify products and systems that will enhance customer performance
• Coordinate projects with US Service Center personnel
• Assist development of the Fluid Power collaborative knowledge base including applications, interchanges, case histories, Documented Value Added activities, market activities and competitor activities

Position Requirements

• 3+ years fluid power experience including practical applications (hydraulic and/or pneumatic)
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a desire and passion to learn
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and system schematics
• Ability to clearly communicate technical thoughts and solutions to multiple levels
• Familiar with MS Office including remote collaboration tools (eg. video conferencing)
• Strong written & verbal communication & English grammar skills
• Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team
• Proven problem solving skills, ability to multi-task, time management skills, sense of urgency and a bias for action

Preferred

• Technical Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree or extensive fluid power application experience
• International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) Certification
• Customer interaction experience (eg. Sales or Customer Service)

Desired characteristics

• Highly developed listening, questioning and effective negotiating skills
• Ability and desire to quickly learn and leverage new products, industry trends, processes and systems

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.