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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Hydraulic Product Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

THE ROLE We are seeking a Hydraulic Product Engineer to join our team and help drive our continued ... Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials common in industrial hydraulics. Diagnostics ...

Hydraulic Product Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

THE ROLE We are seeking a Hydraulic Product Engineer to join our team and help drive our continued ... Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials common in industrial hydraulics. Diagnostics ...

Application Engineer

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Poclain Hydraulics is a global manufacturer of innovative hydrostatic transmission systems serving construction, agriculture, mining, material handling, and industrial markets. Our engineers work ...

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. * Prepare construction documents in support of ... Perform construction engineering and observation. The Strengths You Bring * A Master's degree in ...

WI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

You are interested in marine and hydraulic engineering, alternatively you are already experienced in civil construction works. * You have a keen interest in the budgeting, calculation and/or ...

Mechanical Engineer

Wausau, WI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will design and implement mechanical and hydraulic systems for industrial and electrical generation facilities along with generating all design work associated with assigned ...

Application Engineer About Us Poclain Hydraulics is a global manufacturer of innovative hydrostatic transmission systems serving construction, agriculture, mining, material handling, and industrial ...

Design and implement mechanical and hydraulic systems for electrical generation facilities ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * 5 years' experience with hydraulic power units ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hydraulics Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$76.7K

$109.3K

$129.2K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulics engineer in Wisconsin is $109,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydraulics engineer?

A hydraulics engineer is a civil engineer who specializes in the properties and movement of liquids like water and sewage. In hydraulics engineering jobs, projects include designing or overseeing structures like dams, bridges, and canals. They may also work with machinery that utilizes hydraulic power. These professionals usually have a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s degree in hydraulics. Most find work with state and local government agencies or private firms.

What does a hydraulics engineer do?

A Hydraulics Engineer designs, analyzes, and manages systems and structures that use liquid flow, primarily water, to perform various functions. Their work often involves creating hydraulic systems for dams, water treatment facilities, irrigation networks, flood control, and piping systems. They apply principles of fluid mechanics to solve engineering challenges, ensure safety, and optimize the efficiency of hydraulic systems. Hydraulics Engineers also conduct simulations, oversee construction, and maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

What are some common challenges hydraulics engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Hydraulics Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating complex fluid dynamics models with real-world site constraints, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Managing timelines and budgets while adapting designs to unexpected site conditions, like variable soil quality or unforeseen weather patterns, is also common. Effective communication with civil engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies is crucial for navigating these challenges and delivering successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydraulics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydraulics Engineer, a strong background in fluid mechanics, civil or mechanical engineering, and a relevant engineering degree is essential. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and hydraulic modeling software, along with a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help engineers collaborate effectively and deliver innovative solutions. These competencies ensure accurate design, analysis, and implementation of hydraulic systems critical for infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

What is the difference between Hydraulics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHydraulics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Hydraulic Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigning hydraulic systems, testing components, working in labs or on-site for fluid systemsDesigning mechanical systems, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance in various industries
Industry UsageWater resources, hydraulic machinery, fluid power systemsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Hydraulics Engineers specialize in fluid power systems and hydraulic machinery, focusing on designing and testing hydraulic components. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

What job categories do people searching Hydraulics Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydraulics Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Hydraulics Engineer jobs in WI?

For Hydraulics Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,262 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer

Fluid System Components

De Pere, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:
The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer is responsible for planning, leading, and delivering large-scale, high-complexity hydraulic projects. As a technical expert and project leader, this role collaborates across departments, aligns engineering output with strategic goals, and ensures design quality, performance, and innovation throughout all phases of system development. The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer builds strong internal and external relationships, contributes to a collaborative culture, and consistently demonstrates integrity and accountability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Applications Support
  • Lead technical evaluations during pre-sales and project scoping stages
  • Define hydraulic system architecture based on performance and application requirements
  • Drive technical proposal creation, ensuring feasibility and cost alignment
  • Interface with customers and sales teams to clarify specifications and technical deliverables
  • Identify potential risks or gaps early in the application phase and provide mitigation strategies

Review Product Design
  • Set and enforce engineering standards, design practices, and review protocols
  • Guide key design decisions across multiple projects and engineering teams
  • Lead complex design reviews involving cross-disciplinary feedback
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant safety codes, industry standards, and internal QA processes
  • Evaluate prototype and test results to inform design iterations and system validation

Field Service and Project Support
  • Oversee development of commissioning plans, field test procedures, and validation documentation
  • Lead resolution of escalated field issues, coordinating multidisciplinary resources as needed
  • Analyze failure data and implement corrective/preventative measures across designs
  • Support post-installation reviews and customer feedback loops for continuous improvement

Clerical/General Administrative
  • Align technical milestones with overall project schedules and business priorities
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs), technical risks, and resource utilization
  • Lead project reporting and communication with senior leadership and stakeholders

COMPETENCIES:
  • Deep expertise in industrial hydraulic systems, controls, and fluid dynamics
  • Strong leadership in technical planning, resource coordination, and project delivery
  • Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and system-level integration
  • Effective communicator across technical, operational, and executive audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize tasks, and make sound engineering decisions

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
  • Frequently required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear
  • Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs and visit industrial facilities or customer sites
  • Must be capable of analyzing complex data, making decisions, and working independently
  • Visual abilities include color perception, depth, and near/far vision essential for schematic work
  • Requires attention to detail, multitasking, and mental focus in a dynamic work environment

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
  • Typical office setting with regular visits to shop floor and customer facilities
  • 40-hour work week, with occasional evening/weekend support depending on project needs
  • Use of standard office equipment, CAD stations, and engineering tools
  • Travel requirement: Up to 15%

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power, or related field
  • 7-10 years of experience (or 13-16 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree)
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and hydraulic simulation tools (e.g., Automation Studio, Simscape)
  • Familiarity with UL, CE, ISO, or other industry-specific compliance and safety standards
  • Track record of delivering high-performance, custom-engineered hydraulic systems
  • Ability to manage a facility in a safe, cost-effective, and comfortable working environment.