Technical Specialist / Applications Engineer - Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Control Systems

SunSource; Savage (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SunSource seeks an experienced Technical Specialist / Application Engineer to deliver value-added, system-level solutions for Mobile product lines. You will design, troubleshoot, and optimize hydraulic, hydrostatic, electrical, and electronic control systems, collaborating with customers, vendors, and internal teams to improve machine performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, testing, and training, with travel as needed to support customers and SunSource associates.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Fluid Power, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience); bachelor’s degree in related engineering / technical field is preferred
• 2+ years of experience designing or supporting hydraulic, hydrostatic, and/or electrical systems
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and create hydraulic schematics
• SolidWorks CAD experience required
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
• Fluid Power certification is a plus
• Valid Drivers License / 30% travel may be required

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical support for Mobile Business Unit products
• Partner with customers and vendors to resolve system-level issues across hydraulic, hydrostatic, electrical, and electronic controls
• Design complete integrated systems, including hydraulic, hydrostatic, and electrical architectures
• Support microcontroller-based systems, including system design and programming
• Create electrical and hydraulic schematics using CAD tools
• Conduct technical testing and validation of hydraulic/hydrostatic systems using data acquisition tools
• Perform electrical system testing using frequency generators and volt/ohm meters
• Deliver technical training to SunSource associates and customer teams
• Strengthen customer relationships by serving as a trusted technical advisor
• Stay engaged with emerging machine electronic control technologies

Skills

Fluid Power

System Design

Technical Training

Education

Associate degree in Fluid Power or Engineering

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

Job description

SunSource and its family of companies represent 270+ locations and 4,000+ employees making up one of North America’s leading value-add industrial distribution companies. We provide customers with products and value-added solutions within Fluid Power, Fluid Process, Fluid Conveyance, Automation, General Industrial Components, and Industrial Repair. www.sun-source.com

Are you passionate about solving complex technical challenges and designing integrated systems that make machines smarter, stronger, and more efficient? SunSource is seeking an experienced Technical Specialist / Application Engineer to deliver value-added, system-level solutions that strengthen our customers’ operations and drive the success of our Mobile (on/off-highway) product portfolio.

In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal teams to design, troubleshoot, and optimize hydraulic, hydrostatic, electrical, and electronic control systems—bringing technical expertise directly to real-world applications.

Essential Functions

• Provide advanced technical support for Mobile Business Unit products
• Partner with customers and vendors to resolve system-level issues across hydraulic, hydrostatic, electrical, and electronic controls
• Design complete integrated systems, including hydraulic, hydrostatic, and electrical architectures
• Support microcontroller-based systems, including system design and programming
• Create electrical and hydraulic schematics using CAD tools
• Conduct technical testing and validation of hydraulic/hydrostatic systems using data acquisition tools
• Perform electrical system testing using frequency generators and volt/ohm meters
• Deliver technical training to SunSource associates and customer teams
• Strengthen customer relationships by serving as a trusted technical advisor
• Stay engaged with emerging machine electronic control technologies

Experience, Education And Skills

• Associate degree in Fluid Power, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience); bachelor’s degree in related engineering / technical field is preferred
• 2+ years of experience designing or supporting hydraulic, hydrostatic, and/or electrical systems
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and create hydraulic schematics
• SolidWorks CAD experience required
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving ability
• Fluid Power certification is a plus
• Valid Drivers License / 30% travel may be required

Key Competencies for success

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of fluid power products, systems, and technologies
• Customer Focus: Ability to listen, understand needs, and deliver effective technical solutions
• Collaboration & Communication: Communicates complex ideas clearly and works effectively across teams
• Planning & Initiative: Organized, self‑directed, and proactive in driving results
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholds ethical and organizational standards
• Continuous Learning: Eager to grow technical skills and stay current with evolving technologies
• Influence & Persuasion: Effectively gains buy‑in for technical recommendations and solutions

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact [e-mail] to request reasonable accommodation. Only requests for accommodation in the application process will be returned from this email address. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí). Sun-Source | Privacy Policy

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.