Hydraulic Engineer - Fire Trucks

Job Summary

The Hydraulic Engineer – Fire Trucks is responsible for designing, developing and supporting hydraulic systems for fire trucks and other specialist emergency vehicles. The role includes preparing hydraulic schematics and technical documentation, selecting components, and ensuring that systems meet vehicle, operational, safety and project requirements.

The position requires strong knowledge of hydraulic circuits, pumps, valves, cylinders, piping and fluid power systems, as well as the ability to coordinate with mechanical, electrical, production and procurement teams. The Engineer provides technical support throughout the vehicle build, testing and commissioning process, ensuring designs are reliable, maintainable and aligned with applicable standards and company practices.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and develop hydraulic systems for fire trucks, including firefighting equipment, vehicle functions and other specialist applications.
- Prepare hydraulic circuit diagrams, schematics, layouts, installation drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs) 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 system interfaces with chassis, power take-off (PTO), firefighting pumps, water and foam systems, electrical controls and vehicle structures.
- Ensure hydraulic layouts and installations support safe operation, accessibility, serviceability and efficient 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, and confirm that proposed 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 applicable regulations, safety requirements, customer specifications and company engineering practices.
- Maintain accurate engineering records and contribute to design reviews, risk assessments and continuous improvement activities.
- Perform other related engineering duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

- 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 will be an advantage.

Experience

- 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.