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Freelance Fluid Power Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Fluid Power Engineer information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance fluid power engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance fluid power engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Freelance Fluid Power Engineers typically collaborate with clients and other engineering teams during a project?

Freelance Fluid Power Engineers often work remotely, requiring strong communication and project management skills to collaborate effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams. They usually participate in virtual meetings to discuss project requirements, share progress updates, and address technical challenges. Collaboration tools such as CAD software, cloud-based documentation, and project management platforms are commonly used to facilitate seamless teamwork. Building clear communication channels and maintaining regular check-ins are key to ensuring that deliverables meet client expectations and project timelines.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Fluid Power Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or hydraulic engineering, strong analytical skills, and ideally a relevant engineering degree or certification (such as Certified Fluid Power Engineer, CFPE). Proficiency with CAD software, hydraulic simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards like ISO 4413 are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for managing projects and client relationships independently. These skills and qualities ensure accurate system design, compliance with industry standards, and successful delivery of client projects in a competitive freelance environment.

What is a Freelance Fluid Power Engineer?

A Freelance Fluid Power Engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and maintains hydraulic and pneumatic systems, working independently rather than as a full-time employee. They may be hired on a project-by-project basis to consult, troubleshoot, or optimize fluid power systems in industries like manufacturing, automotive, or aerospace. Their work often involves analyzing system requirements, selecting appropriate components, and ensuring efficient and safe operation. Freelancers in this field typically offer flexibility, specialized expertise, and can work remotely or onsite, depending on client needs.

What is the difference between Freelance Fluid Power Engineer vs Fluid Power Technician?

AspectFreelance Fluid Power EngineerFluid Power Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like NFPA or ISO standardsTechnical diploma or certification in hydraulics/pneumatics
Work EnvironmentDesign, consulting, project management, often freelance or contract basisMaintenance, troubleshooting, installation in industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed in engineering firms, manufacturing, consulting projectsUsed in factories, service companies, equipment repair

The main difference is that Freelance Fluid Power Engineers focus on designing and consulting on hydraulic and pneumatic systems, often working independently or on contract. Fluid Power Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and repair of these systems. Both roles require knowledge of fluid power principles, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

More about Freelance Fluid Power Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Fluid Power Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Fluid Power Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fluid Power Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Fluid Power Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Fluid Power Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Fluid Power Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Fluid Power Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
FLUID POWER ENGINEER

FLUID POWER ENGINEER

Plasser American Corp

Chesapeake, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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. Itโ€™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.

Thatโ€™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. Itโ€™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. Itโ€™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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 2 times your annual salary
  • Company Events
  • Free employee medical and dental coverage. โ€“ 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.