Manager, Application Engineering

$125000 - $140000 per year | Schaumburg, IL | On-site | Permanent

We are a privately-owned global leader in engineered products and solutions, supporting customers across mobile, industrial, and manufacturing markets. Our teams develop innovative hydraulic and fluid-power technologies that solve complex application challenges. We combine the resources and technical capabilities of a global organization with a collaborative, customer-focused culture where engineers can make a direct impact.

• $125,000–$140,000 base salary (Depending on experience - DOE)
• Annual performance bonus between $10k-$15k (DOE)
• Leadership role with ownership of a highly technical Application Engineering team
• Remain hands-on technically while developing Senior and Principal-level engineers
• Serve as the senior technical voice on complex customer hydraulic applications
• Direct exposure to customers, channel partners, Sales, Operations, and global engineering teams
• Opportunity to influence engineering standards, technical strategy, and future product development
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match, PTO, paid holidays, disability and life insurance

We're looking for an experienced hydraulic engineering professional who's ready to take ownership of a talented Applications Engineering team while staying close to the technology and customers. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity focused primarily on mobile hydraulic systems and applications, combining technical expertise with team development and customer engagement. You'll serve as a key technical decision-maker, help shape engineering best practices, and work directly with customers on complex hydraulic solutions.

• Serve as the division's senior technical authority, evaluating hydraulic system designs, component selections, sizing, and overall application feasibility
• Lead and mentor a team of talented Applications Engineers, helping develop technical capabilities, establish best practices, and support career progression
• Work directly with customers, distributors, and internal sales teams to understand application challenges, recommend solutions, and identify new business opportunities
• Oversee engineering project assignments, technical priorities, and workload distribution while ensuring quality and timely execution
• Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure proposed hydraulic solutions can be successfully produced and delivered
• Drive technical problem-solving efforts, including design evaluations, risk assessments, root-cause analysis, and resolution of complex application challenges
• Collaborate with domestic and international engineering teams to improve existing solutions, share technical knowledge, and influence future product development

• 7+ years of experience in hydraulic systems, fluid power, application engineering, or closely related technical engineering roles, ideally supporting mobile equipment applications
• Strong hands-on understanding of hydraulic components, system integration, sizing, and application-specific product selection
• Experience leading, mentoring, or guiding engineers, whether through formal management or senior-level technical leadership
• Ability to evaluate complex hydraulic applications, make sound technical decisions, and balance performance, cost, and manufacturability
• Customer-facing experience with the communication skills to discuss technical solutions with engineers, sales teams, and business leaders
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline preferred; equivalent practical industry experience considered

Based in Schaumburg, IL, with regular travel to customer sites, distribution partners, and internal facilities. In practical terms, expect approximately 1–2 weeks per month of weekday travel (usually 3 day trips), typically Monday–Wednesday or Monday–Thursday. Travel will fluctuate based on customer needs and project activity, with some months requiring little or no travel and others involving multiple trips.