Developer Operations Site Reliability Engineer Engineer Jobs in Waco, TX

Hydraulic Cylinders | Sustaining Engineering | VAVE | Reverse Engineering

At Texas Hydraulics, engineering is hands-on, collaborative, and directly connected to the product. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of hydraulic cylinders and accumulator products used in demanding industrial and mobile applications.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving real-world mechanical problems, improving existing designs, analyzing failures, and working closely with manufacturing and operations teams to drive practical results. You will play a key role in sustaining engineering, value analysis/value engineering (VAVE), and reverse engineering/remanufacturing initiatives.

If you enjoy balancing engineering theory with shop-floor execution, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact.

What You’ll DoSustaining Engineering & Product Improvement

• Lead sustaining engineering efforts including field issue resolution, design updates, product standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive VAVE projects focused on cost reduction, manufacturability, quality, and performance optimization
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, sourcing, quality, and operations teams to implement engineering improvements
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, models, and bills of material
• Support design-for-manufacturability (DFM) initiatives and production process improvements

Hydraulic Cylinder Design

• Design and support hydraulic cylinder products for industrial and mobile applications
• Perform engineering calculations including:
  • Bore and stroke sizing
  • Rod buckling analysis (Euler calculations)
  • Load path evaluation
  • Mount selection
  • Seal system selection and validation
• Select appropriate materials and surface treatments including chrome and HVOF applications
• Ensure designs meet customer requirements, internal standards, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain 3D models and detailed engineering drawings

Reverse Engineering & Remanufacturing

• Support teardown, inspection, and reverse engineering activities for hydraulic cylinders and related components
• Analyze returned products and failed components to identify root causes and improvement opportunities
• Evaluate rods, tubes, seals, weldments, and machined components for wear, reuse potential, and manufacturability
• Develop repair standards, inspection criteria, and remanufacturing guidelines
• Support corrective actions associated with warranty claims and field failures

Validation & Testing

• Develop validation and test plans including pressure, fatigue, and environmental testing
• Review and interpret test data to support product improvements
• Lead or support root cause investigations and failure analysis activities
• Develop DFMEAs and associated risk mitigation plans

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, sustaining engineering, product support, or related engineering roles
• Strong understanding of hydraulic cylinders, mechanical systems, and applied engineering fundamentals
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools such as Creo, ANSYS, Windchill, or similar platforms
• Working knowledge of material science as applied to mechanical engineering applications
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hydraulic systems, mobile equipment, industrial equipment, or remanufacturing environments
• CFPE certification or equivalent industry experience
• Experience supporting both new product introduction and sustaining engineering initiatives

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable and technically sound engineering solutions
• Successful implementation of cost reduction and product improvement initiatives
• Strong support of manufacturing and operational goals
• Effective resolution of field and warranty issues
• High-quality engineering documentation and design execution
• Improved product reliability, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction

Why Texas Hydraulics?

At Texas Hydraulics, engineers work closely with operations, manufacturing, and leadership teams to solve complex challenges and improve real-world products. This is not a role where engineering is disconnected from execution — you will see your work move from concept to production and directly influence performance in the field.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. While performing the duties of this role, employees may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical equipment and moderate industrial noise levels.

The position may occasionally require lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Employees may regularly sit, stand, walk, use hands and arms, and communicate with others throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Additional Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.