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What does a Hydraulic Engineer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A hydraulic engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains systems that use fluid power to do work. Hydraulic engineers are employed in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas production. They may also work in government agencies or private consulting firms.

Hydraulic Engineer job duties include:

  • Designing, developing and supervising the construction of hydraulic systems
  • Investigating the feasibility of using hydraulic power in new applications
  • Analyzing fluid flow, pressure and velocity in hydraulic systems
  • Identifying potential problems and designing solutions to improve the performance of hydraulic systems
  • Selecting appropriate materials and components for hydraulic systems
  • Ensuring that hydraulic systems meet safety, quality and environmental standards
  • Writing reports and presenting findings to clients or superiors
  • Providing technical support to clients or other engineers
  • Keeping up to date with developments in hydraulic engineering

Hydraulic Engineer Job Requirements

A hydraulic engineer is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of hydraulic systems. They must have a bachelor's degree in engineering and be licensed by the state in which they practice. Hydraulic engineers typically have four or five years of experience working in the field before becoming licensed.

Hydraulic Engineer Skills

  • Pipefitting
  • Plumbing
  • Welding
  • Brazing
  • Soldering
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • HVAC
  • Refrigeration
  • Utilities
  • Maintenance

Related: Top Hydraulic Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Hydraulic Engineer

A hydraulic engineer is someone who designs, builds, and maintains systems that use fluid power to do work. Hydraulic engineers are employed in a variety of industries, including construction, mining, manufacturing, and transportation.

To become a hydraulic engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. During your studies, you will take courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as well as engineering principles and practices. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to pass the Engineer-in-Training exam administered by your state's licensing board. After passing this exam, you will be able to work as a hydraulic engineer under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

If you want to advance your career, you can earn a master's degree in engineering or a related field. With further education and experience, you may become a licensed professional engineer (PE), which would allow you to work independently on engineering projects.

Hydraulic engineering is a challenging and rewarding profession that offers many opportunities for career growth. If you have a passion for solving problems and designing innovative solutions, then a career in hydraulic engineering may be right for you!

Related: Hydraulic Engineer Resume Example

Related: Hydraulic Engineer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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