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Fluid Power Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Experience interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical procedures * Familiarity with precision mechanical assembly techniques, fluid systems, and hand and power tools * Strong ...

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Experience interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical procedures * Familiarity with precision mechanical assembly techniques, fluid systems, and hand and power tools * Strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Fluid Power Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$52.7K

$166.3K

$197.1K

How much do fluid power engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid power engineering in Washington is $166,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,900.00 and $195,900.00 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.

How do you become a fluid power engineer?

To become a fluid power engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or fluid power engineering. Gaining experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, along with proficiency in CAD software and industry standards, is important. Professional certifications, such as those from the International Fluid Power Society, can also enhance career prospects.

What does a fluid power engineer do?

A fluid power engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that use pressurized fluids, such as hydraulics and pneumatics, to generate power and control machinery. They analyze system performance, select appropriate components, and ensure safety and efficiency, often using tools like CAD software and adhering to industry standards. This role typically requires knowledge of fluid dynamics, mechanical systems, and relevant certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Fluid Power Engineering jobs in Washington? For Fluid Power Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fluid Power Engineering jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Fluid Power Engineering jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Fluid Power Engineering job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,342 per year, or $80 per hour.

Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site

$95K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer to perform mechanical design and management of systems that span the nuclear power plant, ship, and shipyard interfaces of civil nuclear-powered maritime applications. This role ensures that integrated systems are performant, economical, safe, manufacturable, maintainable, and compliant with maritime and nuclear regulatory frameworks.
What You'll Do
  • Perform mechanical design and integration of cross-boundary systems including reactor/fuel handling equipment, plant-to-hull structural interfaces, shielding integration, and supporting auxiliary systems.
  • Define and manage interface requirements between the reactor, ship systems (structure, propulsion, HVAC, electrical, fluid systems), and shipyard construction/maintenance processes.
  • Assess and design for ship-specific hazards affecting the nuclear plant, including collision, grounding, flooding, fire, motion/sea-state loads, and shock/vibration.
  • Develop and maintain interface control documents, system specifications, and integration plans.
  • Coordinate across naval architecture, reactor engineering, safety/licensing, and shipyard production teams to resolve cross-discipline conflicts.
  • Support safety case development and hazard analyses for integrated systems.
  • Review designs for constructability, installation sequencing, and in-service maintenance and refueling access.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable classification society rules, IMO/maritime regulations, and nuclear regulatory requirements.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop teams of engineers responsible for mechanical, structural, civil, and nuclear system design and operation.
  • Establish and maintain a high-performance culture centered on nuclear safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support organizational growth and long-term engineering expertise.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and technical mentoring for engineering staff.
  • Support the expansion of Ocean Atomics through effective knowledge transfer, agile prioritization of critical business needs, and collaboration across functional company areas to build a scalable organization.
  • Ensure engineering products meet rigorous nuclear industry standards and quality requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership during emergent operational events and high-consequence engineering challenges.

What You Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Marine, Naval, Nuclear, or related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and systems integration for complex engineered systems.
  • Demonstrated experience managing technical interfaces across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Working knowledge of structural and mechanical design principles, including dynamic and accident loading.
  • Familiarity with safety analysis methods and regulated-industry design controls.
  • Strong written technical documentation skills (specifications, interface control documents).
  • A hustle mindset: bias toward action, comfort with ambiguity, and relentless follow-through.

Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or chartered engineer status.
  • Experience in nuclear plant systems, marine propulsion, and/or shipbuilding.
  • Knowledge of classification society rules (e.g., ABS, Lloyd's Register) and IMO requirements relevant to nuclear-powered ships.
  • Familiarity with fuel handling systems, shielding design, or reactor auxiliary systems.
  • Experience with collision/grounding analysis or ship survivability engineering.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and structural/thermal analysis tools.

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.