Hydraulic Technical Specialist / Principal Engineer

KT2i; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Virginia seeks a Hydraulic Technical Specialist or Principal Engineer to be a subject matter expert. This position will provide advanced technical guidance, mentor engineers, and lead projects. Ideal candidates have a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with significant experience. Responsibilities include analyzing complex technical issues, leading engineering initiatives, and mentoring teams while contributing to strategic goals. Domestic and international travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field with 4 years of experience or Bachelor's degree with 10 years.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Senior Engineer.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical problems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a recognized technical expert in a specialized domain.
• Provide guidance to engineering teams on complex technical topics.
• Align project budget and schedule with engineering goals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in a related field with 4 years of experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 10 years of experience

Job description

Role Overview

KT2i is seeking a Hydraulic Technical Specialist or Principal Engineer to serve as a subject matter expert within a defined technical domain. This role represents the highest level of technical competency and provides advanced engineering guidance, mentorship, and leadership across projects and teams. The position supports product development, system design, project execution, and continuous technical advancement while contributing to strategic initiatives and industry engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Level 5 – Technical Specialist

• Serve as a recognized technical expert within a specialized domain.
• Provide guidance and consultation to engineering teams on complex technical topics.
• Review and critique the work of experienced engineers to ensure technical excellence.
• Demonstrate sound technical judgment and decision-making.
• Assist in project budget and schedule preparation.
• Establish and uphold technical quality standards.
• Participate in project analysis, design, implementation, and commissioning phases.
• Prepare user requirements, technical specifications, design documentation, and commissioning plans.
• Support system acceptance testing and validation activities.
• Review existing system designs and recommend improvements.

Level 6 – Principal Engineer

• Provide engineering leadership across departments and mentor developing engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends and contribute to professional or industry working groups.
• Prepare and deliver technical publications and presentations internally and externally.
• Lead development of new systems and oversee maintenance or modification of existing systems.
• Analyze project requirements and provide technical and functional recommendations.
• Respond to customer inquiries and technical concerns.
• Facilitate engineering meetings to discuss new initiatives, issues, and project updates.
• Oversee warranty reviews and product return evaluations with the engineering team.
• Evaluate and improve engineering processes.
• Provide strategic input to leadership regarding the future direction of the technical domain.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education and Experience

Level 5 – Technical Specialist

• Master’s degree in a related field with 4 years of experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 10 years of related experience; and
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Senior Engineer.

Level 6 – Principal Engineer

• Master’s degree in a related field with 8 years of experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 15 years of related experience; and
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Technical Specialist.

Level 5 – Technical Specialist

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop optimized solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership within technical working groups.
• Proficiency in project management principles and practices.

Level 6 – Principal Engineer

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and transfer technical knowledge to engineers and external audiences.
• Experience contributing to educational, industry, or professional outreach initiatives.
• Ability to operate at a strategic level and provide forward-looking technical direction.

Additional Notes

• Domestic and international travel up to 20% is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport.
• Ability to maintain Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) certification is required.