Hydraulic Engineer - Fire Trucks

Role overview

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hydraulic systems for fire trucks, including firefighting equipment, vehicle functions, and specialist applications.
• Prepare hydraulic circuit diagrams, schematics, layouts, installation drawings, Bills of Materials, and technical specifications.
• Select and size hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, reservoirs, filters, hoses, pipes, fittings, and other system components.
• Review project specifications, client requirements, and vehicle configurations to develop suitable hydraulic system solutions.
• Perform hydraulic calculations and technical checks for flow rate, pressure, power, system capacity, heat generation, and component compatibility.
• Coordinate hydraulic interfaces with chassis, power take-off, firefighting pumps, water and foam systems, electrical controls, and vehicle structures.
• Ensure hydraulic layouts and installations support safe operation, accessibility, serviceability, and effective use of available space.
• Coordinate with Design, Engineering, Production, Procurement, Quality, suppliers, and customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review supplier drawings, datasheets, and technical proposals to confirm components meet project requirements.
• Provide technical support during fabrication, installation, system flushing, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Investigate hydraulic system faults, identify root causes, and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure designs and completed installations comply with regulations, safety requirements, customer specifications, and company engineering practices.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A diploma or equivalent technical qualification combined with substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
• Training or certification in fluid power or hydraulic systems is an advantage.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in hydraulic system design, engineering, or technical support.
• Experience designing or supporting hydraulic systems for fire trucks, emergency vehicles, heavy vehicles, mobile equipment, or special-purpose vehicles is preferred.
• Practical experience with hydraulic pumps, PTO-driven systems, valves, cylinders, pipework, hoses, and fluid power components.
• Experience supporting vehicle builds, hydraulic installation, testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis.

Technical skills

• Strong understanding of hydraulic principles, circuit design, component selection, and fluid power system operation.
• Ability to prepare and interpret hydraulic schematics, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar engineering design software; experience with 3D CAD tools is an advantage.
• Knowledge of hydraulic testing, system commissioning, troubleshooting, and safe working practices.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.