Maintenance Technician - Hydraulics

Gilder Search Group; Megargel (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Stable environment

Hands-on culture

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Texas is seeking a Maintenance Technician to keep hydraulic systems on aluminum extrusion presses running safely and reliably during downtime and critical line events.

You will diagnose from hydraulic schematics, perform preventive maintenance on presses, die ovens, stretchers, and related equipment, and work with production to improve reliability and uptime.

Strong troubleshooting skills plus a hands-on approach are essential in our fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience focusing on hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics and manuals.
• Experience with extrusion presses or heavy machinery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain hydraulic systems on extrusion presses and related equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot downtime events using schematics and manuals.
• Repair pumps, valves, cylinders, accumulators, and high-pressure lines.
• Read hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical schematics and redline issues.

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Industrial maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Multimeters

Pressure gauges

Diagnostic equipment

Hydraulic test equipment

Job description

Ready to put your hydraulic expertise to work where it truly matters?

A growing aluminum extrusion manufacturer is seeking an experienced, hands-on Maintenance Technician to keep high-performance presses and supporting equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. This is an opportunity for a skilled troubleshooter who understands heavy industrial machinery, performs well during critical downtime events, and can confidently diagnose problems from a hydraulic schematic.

If you know extrusion presses, die ovens, stretchers, saws, and the high-pressure hydraulic systems that power them, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain hydraulic systems on aluminum extrusion presses, including pumps, valves, cylinders, accumulators, servo and proportional valves, and high-pressure lines.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on extrusion presses, billet heaters, die ovens, run-out tables, stretchers, saws, and related production equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical failures using schematics, technical manuals, and diagnostic equipment.
• Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring equipment failures and recommend long-term corrective actions.
• Rebuild and calibrate hydraulic pumps, cylinders, valves, and related assemblies.
• Maintain proper hydraulic fluid cleanliness, filtration, pressure, and system specifications.
• Respond quickly and safely to press-down and line-down situations to restore production.
• Read and interpret hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Assist with the installation, alignment, commissioning, and startup of new or rebuilt equipment.
• Partner with production personnel to improve equipment reliability, performance, and press uptime.
• Follow all plant safety, environmental, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience with a strong focus on hydraulic systems.
• Strong working knowledge of high-pressure hydraulic circuits, pumps, valves, cylinders, and accumulators.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Experience working with extrusion presses, stretchers, saws, material-handling systems, industrial ovens, or similar heavy machinery.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, precision instruments, pressure gauges, multimeters, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently during time-sensitive downtime events.
• Willingness to work overtime as production needs require.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with aluminum extrusion or other heavy press operations.
• Technical or trade-school certification in industrial maintenance, hydraulics, or a related discipline.
• Forklift and/or overhead crane certification.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• A stable, growing manufacturing environment.
• A hands-on, team-oriented maintenance culture where technical expertise is valued.