Application Development Engineer Jobs in Traverse City, MI

At Oilgear, we design and manufacture high-performance hydraulic systems that power some of the world’s most demanding industrial applications. Our employees play a critical role in our success, and we are committed to providing a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment. At Oilgear, you’ll work with advanced technology, contribute to meaningful products, and be part of a team that values quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The New Product Development Engineer will work as part of a team to solve complex fluid power related problems. There will be an emphasis on hydraulic pump design and development. In this role, the ideal candidate will be able to collaborate and work as part of an engineering team. They will spend a portion of their time in a hands-on production environment. The candidate will also be working with customers which sometimes requires travel to their location.

• Design and development of hydraulic pumps and valves
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using advanced CAD software.
• Utilize simulation software such as CFD and FEA
• Design systems that optimize energy consumption and performance
• Work with remote monitoring and associated sensors and hardware.
• Understand fluid power application requirements in various markets.
• Assist production in analyzing failures to determine root causes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop test procedures and conduct prototype validation testing.
• Work with manufacturing partners and vendors to develop and update production processes and specifications to ensure quality and performance of components.

• Identify and implement opportunities for energy savings and performance improvements.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, focusing on applications in fluid power components.
• Contribute to the company's strategic technology roadmap for smart, connected hydraulic solutions.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence.
• Develop project timelines, resource allocation plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Present project updates and technical reports to senior management and stakeholder

• Identify opportunities for product enhancements and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement new design methodologies and tools to improve efficiency.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio through patents and technical publications.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related
• Preferably at least 3 years of experience in fluid power design or working with fluid power.
• Proven track record of successful engineering projects
• Knowledge of hydraulic system principles, fluid dynamics, and pump design
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor)
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools is a plus.
• Fluid Power Certification is a plus.
• Preference given to candidates with experience in fluid power systems
• Background in hydraulic component or system design strongly preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional hospital, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Safety shoe reimbursement program
• Safety glasses reimbursement program
• Tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year

The Oilgear Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment with The Oilgear Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or The Oilgear Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Nothing in this job description or any other Company document should be interpreted as a contract of employment, an offer of continued employment, or a guarantee of employment for any specific duration.