1

Fluid Power Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application Engineering * Fluid Power Design * More! Minimum Qualifications: * High school degree or GED equivalent. * Ability to multi-task. * Eager and willing to learn new tasks. * Strong ...

Application Engineering * Fluid Power Design * More! Minimum Qualifications: * High school degree or GED equivalent. * Ability to multi-task. * Eager and willing to learn new tasks. * Strong ...

Fluid Power Sales Professional - Greater Houston Area Are you a driven sales professional with deep ... engineered solutions across a wide range of industries. What You'll Be Doing: Developing and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fluid Power Engineering information

See salary details

$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do fluid power engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid power engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fluid Power Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fluid Power Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or hydraulic engineering, fluid mechanics, and system design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, hydraulic simulation tools, and industry certifications like those from the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex system requirements. These skills are vital for designing efficient, safe, and reliable fluid power systems used in various industrial applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by fluid power engineers in project development, and how can they be addressed?

Fluid power engineers often encounter challenges such as system leakage, efficiency losses, and component compatibility during project development. Addressing these issues requires thorough system analysis, careful selection of compatible hydraulic or pneumatic components, and rigorous testing during the design phase. Collaborating closely with manufacturers, maintenance teams, and control engineers can help identify and resolve potential problems early, ensuring reliable and cost-effective solutions. Continuous learning about new technologies and industry standards also plays a key role in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Fluid Power Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectFluid Power EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Fluid Power Engineering, certifications like NFPA or FPEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, hydraulic and pneumatic system design labsFactories, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageHydraulic systems, pneumatic controls, fluid power systemsBroader mechanical systems, thermodynamics, structural design

Fluid Power Engineering focuses specifically on hydraulic and pneumatic systems, requiring specialized knowledge in fluid dynamics and control systems. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of mechanical systems, including thermodynamics, materials, and structural analysis. While both fields share foundational engineering principles, Fluid Power Engineers specialize in designing and maintaining fluid-based systems used in various industries.

What is fluid power engineering?

Fluid power engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the use, design, and maintenance of systems that transmit and control power through fluids under pressure, such as hydraulics (liquids) and pneumatics (gases). Fluid power engineers design components and systems like pumps, valves, actuators, and circuits used in machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment. These systems are widely used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace due to their efficiency and reliability in controlling force and motion. Fluid power engineers also work on improving the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of these systems.
More about Fluid Power Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Fluid Power Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Fluid Power Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Fluid Power Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Fluid Power Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fluid Power Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
FLUID POWER ENGINEER

FLUID POWER ENGINEER

Plasser American Corp

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The story of how steel tracks turned the American promise into American progress and forged a trusted pathway to the possibilities of the future. It’s a story that continues today, an American legacy unfolding mile by mile. There is a lot riding on those tracks and we know that support, quality and know-how are all important aspects in staying on track.

That’s why the Plasser American tradition begins with a promise. A promise to do things right. An unapologetic commitment to quality that makes us the longtime trusted leader in cutting edge American made innovations for the North American railway. It’s a promise to see things differently to turn ordinary steel into safer passages. To be a partner that you can count on to engineer solutions for the challenges of today and for the opportunities of tomorrow. From research and design, expert manufacturing and delivering unapparelled services, our customers trust us to keep them ahead of the curve.

Progress is about more than getting from Point A to Point B. It’s knowing you have a trusted foundation to move you forward toward new possibilities waiting around the corner. Join Plasser American to become part of our team forging ahead towards new opportunities in railway maintenance. The railway is a path to the future, choose this path and apply today.


General Scope: Fluid Power Engineer to support Engineering group. Fluid power engineer applies fluid power theory and related knowledge to design, test and troubleshoot operational mobile hydraulic systems and applications.

Position Summary:

  • Applies knowledge of engineering principles to design products used on maintenance of way equipment for the railroad industry.
  • Solid knowledge and understanding of fundamental and advanced Fluid power principles and ability to apply knowledge in the design of complex hydraulic/pneumatic circuits in an OEM environment.
  • Complete fluid power systems experience with all levels of hydraulic/pneumatic components from pumps, motors, valves to actuators.
  • Significant experience in mobile/construction equipment hydraulic/pneumatic system design, and development.
  • Study, research and analyze customer specifications, manuals and other data to assist in creating machine work orders.
  • Compiles and analyzes operational, test, and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment or product.
  • Plans, schedules and coordinates the preparation of hydraulic/pneumatic projects to meet deadlines.
  • Sizing and selecting hydraulic and pneumatic components and provide specifications to Planning/Purchasing department.
  • Uses EPLAN Fluid for the automated design and documentation of circuits in fluid power installations in hydraulics, pneumatics, cooling and lubrication complying with current standards such as ISO 1219.
  • Ability to systematically solve hydraulic/pneumatic related problems and perform root cause analysis.
  • Supervise the detailed design and drafting of the hydraulic/pneumatic components and installation drawings with cad designers.
  • Keeps informed of new methods and practices in system designs and components.
  • Plans and develops experimental test programs.
  • Analyzes test data and reports to determine if design meets functional and performance specifications.
  • May require some traveling to customer job site to evaluate problems and report back to management with findings.
  • Strong leadership and project management skills and self-starter.
  • Good organizational skills, and ability to independently manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
  • Ability to interact with various department and provide support to product line, purchasing, production, technical support and sales support.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills and attributes required for satisfactory job performance)

Education:

As a minimum require a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering field with at least 2-5 years of experience in the field of mobile hydraulic design. Experience to consist of relevant product design or development of hydraulic components or motion control systems.

Certified fluid power hydraulic specialist (CFHPS), NFPA (National Fluid Power Association) or other fluid power organizations certificate is preferred.

In addition to having the technical qualifications, a fluid power engineer must be a good team player with strong communication and problem-solving skills. The individual must be able to think practically and authoritatively, able to accommodate the company's deadlines, budget, and other resources to make informed decisions for their projects.

Knowledge: Incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of Engineering.

Skills: Incumbent must demonstrate or participate in internal/external training programs to obtain the following skills:

  • Knowledge of the current ISO and ANSI (Y14) standards.
  • Working knowledge of the metric system and geometric dimensioning and tolerance.
  • Familiar with weldments, and machining operation.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
  • Ability to write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
  • EIT certification will be considered as a PLUS.
  • Motivated and self-starter with the ability to work under deadlines.
  • Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as Calculus and modern Algebra.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • AREMA, AAR, S.A.E. membership helpful but not required.

Applicable Technical Competencies: Incumbent must have working knowledge and demonstrated abilities utilizing mechanical knowledge: Specific applications combined with knowledge competencies are as follows: Rating Level: 1-5 (1= minimum 5= Maximum)

Application

Required Level of proficiency

Preferred Level of proficiency

Autodesk Vault Professional 2018

4 - Full Proficiency

5 - Expert Proficiency

Inventor Professional 2018

4 - Full Proficiency

5 - Expert Proficiency

AutoCAD 2018

4 - Full Proficiency

5 - Expert Proficiency

Microsoft Outlook

3 - Working Proficiency

3 - Working Proficiency

Design Review

3 - Working Proficiency

4 - Full Proficiency

Microsoft Excel

4 – Full Proficiency

5 - Expert Proficiency

Microsoft Word

4 - Full Proficiency

4 - Full Proficiency

JIRA & Confluence

3 - Working Proficiency

4 - Full Proficiency

E-PLAN

3 - Working Proficiency

4 - Full Proficiency

Automation Studio

4 - Full Proficiency

5 - Expert Proficiency

Personal Attributes: Incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of a Fluid Power Engineer. The incumbent must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

  • Be honest and trustworthy
  • Be respectful
  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Be flexible
  • Demonstrate sound work ethics


Benefits:

  • Accrue 80 Hours of Paid Time Off during your first year of employment
  • 10 Paid Holidays per year
  • 401(k) match of $0.50 for every $1.00 you contribute up to 6% of your salary
  • You may receive a merit bonus after completion of the audit at the end of the fiscal year
  • Free Short and Long Term Disability after 90 days of employment
  • Free Life Insurance – 2 times your annual salary
  • Company Events
  • Free employee medical and dental coverage. – valued at $7,500.00


As part of the Plasser family brand, which is the largest Maintenance of Way equipment provider in the world, PAC is a rapidly growing provider of railway equipment in North America. Continuing for the next few years, PAC will continue to make significant investments in the North American Market including a new office building and a substantial addition to our manufacturing facility. PAC is making the needed investments to continue its growth trajectory for many years to come. The next several years will be an exciting time of transformation. We look to the future to enhance our team and achieve our goals.