Hydraulic Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

BUILT TO CONNECT

Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, execute complex engineering projects focused on the design, analysis, and validation of mobile equipment hydraulic systems. The engineer will be responsible for component selection, system integration, and creation of technical documentation that ensures the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our paving and processing machinery.

Key Deliverables

• Create accurate and optimized hydraulic system designs and project specifications.
• Generate and maintain detailed, accurate hydraulic schematics and Bills of Material.
• Drive continuous improvement in hydraulic system efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and robustness.
• Ensure all hydraulic components and documents adhere to established engineering and industry standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI / NFPA).
• Develop standard work templates and revision control processes.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and analysis of complete mobile equipment hydraulic power and control circuits. Perform system-level hydraulic calculations to determine flow, pressure, power, and thermal management requirements. Develop, troubleshoot, and document component and system-level reliability and durability validation tests in laboratory and field environments to ensure design robustness. Select and size key hydraulic components , including :

o Pumps : Specifying piston, gear, and vane type pumps typically used in mobile paving applications.

o Drive Motors : Selecting appropriate hydraulic motor types (e.g., fixed-displacement, variable-displacement, axial piston, bent-axis) for propulsion and machine work functions.

o Valve and Manifolds : Specifying types such as proportional directional control valves, counterbalance valves, cartridge valves, logic elements, and sectional spool valves for optimal system control. Concepting, review, and approval of hydraulic manifolds.

o Hydraulic Cylinders : Responsible for the selection and application of hydraulic cylinders, specifying appropriate seals, wipers, glands, rod coatings, and bearings to maximize durability and performance in harsh, debris-prone environments.

o Ancillary Equipment : Selecting gearboxes, pump drives, power units, and custom manifolds.

o Design and select all related fluid conveyance components , including sizing and routing high-pressure hydraulic hoses and specifying appropriate hydraulic fittings (e.g., JIC, ORFS, flange connections).

o Specify and optimize hydraulic system accessories, including reservoir (tank) design, breathers, filters, and fluid cleanliness protocols.

o Selection and design of vibratory systems

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are :

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

None

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and / or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.