Principal Application Engineer

JEM Technical•Long Lake, MN

2d•$110,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Application Engineer serves as JEM's technical authority for hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems, leading the development of innovative products and solving complex customer application challenges. This position provides technical leadership across new product development, advanced application engineering, prototype validation, and field support while establishing engineering best practices and mentoring engineers across the organization. Working across Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and key customers, the Principal Application Engineer translates emerging market needs into new products, validates advanced hydraulic systems, and resolves the company's most technically challenging application issues. Unlike a management role, this position leads primarily through technical expertise, innovation, and influence rather than direct personnel supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Fluid Power, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience in hydraulic system design, application engineering, new product development, fluid power testing, or electro-hydraulic integration.
Demonstrated experience leading complex technical projects from concept through production.
Advanced knowledge of hydraulic systems, components, machine-level integration, and troubleshooting.
Strong proficiency in hydraulic schematic development, engineering calculations, 3D modeling, and 2D drafting.
Experience with test equipment setup, data acquisition, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of ECO processes, PDM/ERP systems, and NPD workflows.
CAD/Solid modeling skills required.
Advanced computer skills required.
Valid driver’s license, ability to drive independently, and maintain a safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to PLC/HMI systems or mobile controls (CODESYS or C++ experience a plus).
SolidWorks and SolidWorks Electrical expertise preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development of new hydraulic components, assemblies, and integrated systems from concept through validation and production launch.
Define technical requirements, system architecture, validation plans, and performance criteria.
Lead design reviews, technical risk assessments, prototype evaluations, and product validation activities.
Identify opportunities for new products, technologies, and improvements based on customer and market needs.
Create and review hydraulic schematics, 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, system layouts, and technical specifications.
Lead integration of valves, manifolds, sensors, actuators, and control components.
Maintain accurate engineering documentation within PDM and ERP systems.
Lead or support engineering change processes and development of design standards and best practices.
Lead troubleshooting of complex customer machine issues, field failures, prototype concerns, and production problems.
Perform system-level root-cause analysis using hydraulic measurements, data acquisition, schematics, and machine observations.
Develop and validate corrective actions and design improvements.
Support customer site visits, commissioning, field testing, and troubleshooting as required.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers and technicians.
Lead technical reviews and serve as an escalation point for complex engineering issues.
Share lessons learned, engineering standards, and best practices across the organization.
Work closely with sales, quality, operations, manufacturing, purchasing, and customers to align technical and business objectives.
Engage directly with customers to clarify requirements, provide technical support, and ensure product performance meets expectations.
Maintain compliance with JEM policies, ISO, OSHA, and AWAIR standards.
Uphold JEM’s mission, vision, and core values in all interactions.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support business and engineering needs.