Job Description: Hydraulics Mechanic
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Hydraulics Mechanic to join our maintenance team in a leadership role. As a senior mechanic, you will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and optimization of complex hydraulic systems used in manufacturing equipment and machinery. You will be tasked with diagnosing and resolving advanced technical issues, leading service projects, and mentoring junior mechanics. This role requires a deep understanding of hydraulic systems, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the ability to manage high-priority maintenance tasks in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Technical Guidance:
- Lead and supervise a team of hydraulics mechanics, providing technical guidance, training, and mentorship.
- Oversee and prioritize maintenance tasks, ensuring that all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex hydraulic system issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal system performance.
- Mentor junior technicians, helping them improve their skills in hydraulic system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
Hydraulic System Maintenance and Optimization:
- Perform high-level diagnostics and repairs on hydraulic systems, including pumps, motors, cylinders, and valves, ensuring they meet operational specifications.
- Analyze hydraulic system performance data to identify areas for improvement and optimize system efficiency.
- Oversee the maintenance of hydraulic fluid systems, including managing fluid quality, fluid replacement, and contamination control.
Installation and Commissioning of Hydraulic Systems:
- Lead the installation and commissioning of new hydraulic systems, ensuring all components are correctly installed and calibrated.
- Test newly installed hydraulic systems and components to ensure proper functionality and performance.
- Work with engineers to design and implement hydraulic systems for new equipment and machinery.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving:
- Use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to identify and resolve complex issues in hydraulic systems and machinery.
- Develop and implement effective solutions for recurring hydraulic system issues, ensuring that long-term fixes are applied to prevent future breakdowns.
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts to identify underlying issues and improve system reliability.
Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all maintenance work complies with industry safety standards, company policies, and environmental regulations.
- Conduct regular safety audits and reviews of hydraulic system operations to ensure safe working practices are followed.
- Ensure all work is done to the highest quality standards, contributing to the overall reliability and safety of hydraulic systems.
Project Management and Process Improvement:
- Manage complex service projects, coordinating the installation, maintenance, and repair of hydraulic systems for high-priority machinery.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize hydraulic system performance, reduce downtime, and improve system reliability.
- Work with engineering and production teams to develop and implement new maintenance processes or technology solutions that improve service efficiency.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed records of hydraulic system performance, maintenance activities, repairs, and parts used.
- Prepare regular reports on maintenance activities, system performance, and repair work for management review.
- Ensure all work orders and service documentation are accurate and up to date.
Key Focus Areas:
Vehicle Dynamics:
- Contribute to the maintenance and optimization of hydraulic systems used in vehicle dynamics, focusing on stability and handling systems powered by hydraulics.
Powertrain Systems:
- Support the maintenance of hydraulic systems in powertrain components, such as transmissions and drivetrains, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing downtime.
Structural Engineering:
- Assist in maintaining hydraulic systems integrated with vehicle structures for performance and safety, ensuring that systems perform reliably under various conditions.
Electronics & Electrical Systems:
- Support the integration of hydraulic systems with electronic control systems, ensuring optimal system performance and communication between hydraulic and electronic components.
Thermal Systems:
- Ensure hydraulic systems related to thermal management, such as engine cooling and HVAC, are properly maintained and functioning to specification.
Manufacturing & Assembly:
- Contribute to the optimization of manufacturing and assembly processes involving hydraulic systems, focusing on improving system reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
Qualifications and Skills:
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (preferred).
- 7+ years of experience in hydraulics maintenance or mechanical service, with a proven track record of troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing hydraulic systems.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, actuators, and hydraulic circuits.
- Expertise in diagnosing and repairing complex hydraulic system issues using specialized tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Experience with hydraulic fluid management, including filtration, fluid testing, and contamination control.
- Familiarity with reading hydraulic schematics, technical drawings, and blueprints to guide maintenance and repair activities.
Leadership and Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing and mentoring a team of technicians.
- Excellent communication skills for coordinating with other departments and explaining technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and provide effective solutions to complex mechanical issues.
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and work under pressure.
Certifications (Preferred):
- Relevant certifications in hydraulic systems, maintenance, or mechanical systems repair (e.g., hydraulic technician certifications, industrial machinery certifications).
- Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO) and quality assurance protocols.
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus for process optimization.