Principal Hydraulic Applications Engineer

Cindavi; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cindavi, based in Orono, Minnesota, seeks a Principal Application Engineer to lead hydraulic system development for heavy equipment and off-highway vehicles. You will be the senior technical authority, driving new product development and engineering excellence without people management duties.

You will mentor engineers, guide complex RFQs, and ensure system-level reliability through design, validation, and collaboration with customers and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Fluid Power, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in hydraulic system design, application engineering, or electro-hydraulic integration.
• Advanced knowledge of hydraulic systems, component specification, and machine-level troubleshooting for off-highway or OEM applications.
• Strong proficiency in hydraulic schematic development, 3D modeling, and engineering calculations.
• A proven track record of leading complex technical projects from initial concept through successful production.
• Exceptional communication skills to present technical solutions clearly to both engineers and customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new hydraulic components, assemblies, and integrated systems from concept through validation and production launch.
• Take ownership of complex RFQs by designing system architectures and specifying cartridge valves, spool valves, manifolds, and control components.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to our engineering team, serving as the escalation point for complex technical issues.
• Perform system-level root-cause analysis and troubleshoot field failures using data acquisition, schematics, and machine observations.
• Collaborate directly with customers, sales, design, and manufacturing to align technical solutions with operational realities.

Job description

Cindavi, based in Orono, Minnesota, seeks a Principal Application Engineer to lead hydraulic system development for heavy equipment and off-highway vehicles. You will be the senior technical authority, driving new product development and engineering excellence without people management duties.

You will mentor engineers, guide complex RFQs, and ensure system-level reliability through design, validation, and collaboration with customers and manufacturing.