Fluid Power Systems & Applications Engineer

Depatie Fluid Power Company•Portage, MI

13h

About The Position

This isn’t a back-room engineering role. You’ll be a visible, trusted technical partner—involved in conversations that shape solutions, influence customers, and drive real business outcomes. If you’re someone who wants to own your work, grow your expertise, and make a tangible impact, you’ll fit right in. You’re the kind of engineer who doesn’t just design systems—you connect people, ideas, and execution. You thrive at the intersection of customers, sales, and manufacturing, translating real-world challenges into smart, scalable fluid power solutions. You’re naturally curious and always learning. You take pride in mastering your craft, whether that’s deepening your hydraulic expertise, earning certifications, or staying ahead of emerging technologies. You don’t wait to be told what to do—you see opportunities to improve things and take action. You’re organized without being rigid, analytical without losing sight of the big picture, and confident enough to lead conversations with customers while humble enough to keep learning. Most importantly, you follow through. When you commit to something, it gets done—accurately, on time, and with a level of quality that builds trust.

Requirements

A strong foundation in fluid power, mechanical systems, or application engineering (degree or equivalent hands-on experience)
Real experience designing or working with hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems
Comfort with CAD tools like SolidWorks and creating technical drawings or schematics
A problem-solving mindset—you enjoy troubleshooting and getting to root causes
The ability to manage multiple priorities without sacrificing quality
Strong communication skills—you can translate technical details into practical understanding

Nice To Haves

Have (or are pursuing) IFPS certification
Have worked in manufacturing, distribution, or OEM environments
Familiar with ERP/CRM systems like NetSuite
Enjoy thinking about how technology (including AI) can improve efficiency and workflows

Responsibilities

Shape solutions
Influence customers
Drive business outcomes
Connect people, ideas, and execution
Translate real-world challenges into smart, scalable fluid power solutions
Master your craft
Stay ahead of emerging technologies
Identify opportunities to improve things and take action
Lead conversations with customers
Follow through on commitments
Balance technical excellence with business impact
Communicate clearly and confidently
Manage multiple projects without letting details slip
Collaborate naturally, building strong relationships across teams and with external partners
Create tools, templates, and processes that make the team better over time
Identify problems before they become issues and solve them proactively
Deepen knowledge in fluid power systems
Work toward industry certifications
Standardize processes and improve how work gets done across the organization
Gain exposure across the full lifecycle—from concept and design to manufacturing and customer delivery