Hydraulic and Pneumatic Specialist

About the role

Applied Industrial Technologies® and the Applied Fluid Power® network of companies are the world’s largest fluid power distributor, offering dedicated fluid power support and custom‑designed solutions. A Fluid Power MRO Specialist uses knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power solutions combined with basic customer management skills to define and offer technical solutions. The specialist works as a business development partner with Account Managers in US Service Centers, acting as the local technical expert, building relationships with existing and new customers throughout an assigned territory, and driving business growth.

Core Responsibilities

• Cooperatively create and execute an engagement plan with local US Service Center sales teams, identifying and engaging high‑potential accounts (including local and strategic accounts) to achieve sales and profit goals.
• Act as the local, technical fluid power expert in the assigned region, facilitating technical supplier interactions with internal sales teams and customers.
• Confer with customers, supplier representatives, and internal resources to prepare and present fluid power solutions, reviewing installed solutions, drawings, plans, and other documents to develop technical proposals.
• Conduct fluid power training for internal associates and customers to increase knowledge and demonstrate expertise and value.
• Develop professional working relationships with key supplier resources to help specify products and systems that enhance customer performance.
• Coordinate projects with US Service Center personnel.
• Assist in developing the Fluid Power collaborative knowledge base, including applications, interchanges, case histories, documented value‑added activities, market activities, and competitor activities.

Position Requirements

• 3+ years fluid power experience, including practical applications (hydraulic and/or pneumatic).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a desire and passion to learn.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and system schematics.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical thoughts and solutions to multiple levels.
• Familiarity with MS Office and remote collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including English grammar.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven problem‑solving skills, multi‑tasking ability, time management, sense of urgency, and bias for action.
• Preferred: Technical Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or extensive fluid power application experience.
• International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) Certification (preferred).
• Customer interaction experience (e.g., sales or customer service).

Desired Characteristics

• Highly developed listening, questioning, and effective negotiating skills.
• Ability and desire to quickly learn and leverage new products, industry trends, processes, and systems.