Applications Engineer

6 days ago

Geneva, IL, United States Sterling Engineering Full time
Job Description

Applications Engineer

Salary: 90-120k

Location: Near Geneva, IL

Industry: Hydraulics

Type of Role: Direct Hire

A leading global manufacturer of advanced hydraulic and electrohydraulic technologies is seeking an Applications Engineer to support its expanding customer base across the Western United States. This organization is known for its comprehensive portfolio of hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, power units, and electronic drive components, as well as its deep expertise in designing integrated, application-specific system solutions for both mobile and industrial machinery. With decades of engineering leadership and a strong reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation, the company serves OEMs across construction equipment, agriculture, material handling, and industrial automation markets.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop hydraulic system concepts and layouts-including valve configurations, system sizing, and cost-optimized design alternatives-to drive new business and strengthen customer relationships in the Western U.S. region.
  • Work closely with regional sales and cross-functional engineering/manufacturing teams to coordinate new opportunities, ensure manufacturability, and maintain realistic lead-time expectations.
  • Serve as the primary technical resource for customers, providing system-level expertise, hands-on integration assistance, troubleshooting, and on-site support during start-ups or performance issues.
  • Prepare technical presentations, schematics, and justification materials explaining product selection and system architecture to OEM and distributor customers.
  • Lead assigned projects from concept and RFQ stages through prototype, validation, and production launch while maintaining accurate project details within CRM tools.
  • Collaborate with internal engineering teams to enhance existing products, offering field insights, real-world application feedback, and test documentation.
  • Integrate company products into diverse hydraulic architectures-open-loop, closed-loop, proportional, load-sensing, mobile, and industrial systems.
  • Travel across the Western U.S. (approx. 50%) with occasional international visits to company facilities.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or Certified Fluid Power Specialist (CFPS) credential strongly preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in fluid power applications, with strong hands-on mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to interpret hydraulic schematics, evaluate system documentation, and review CAD models (Creo, SolidWorks, etc.).
  • Experience supporting OEMs, distributors, or integrators.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter

Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.

Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.

As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.

One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.
  • 630-310-6963
  • ebutzen@sterling-engineering.com
  • Connect on LinkedIn


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.

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