• Application Engineer I

    Bosch (Vernon Hills, IL)


    Company Description

    **HydraForce** , a Bosch Rexroth company under the compact Hydraulics offers one of the most comprehensive lines of high-quality hydraulic cartridge valves for the mobile and industrial equipment markets. We design and manufacture high performance valves that meet virtually any need encountered in machine design. HydraForce cartridge valves are designed to fit a wide range of industry-common valve cavities. Our employees enjoy a fast-paced and challenging work environment that provides them with daily opportunities to Power Forward their careers. For almost 35 years, HydraForce has been producing the most innovative electro-hydraulic control solutions for the mobile machinery and industrial equipment markets.

    **Bosch Rexroth** is one of the world’s leading providers of drive and control technologies. Regardless of the motion task that customers face anywhere in the world, they will always find a Bosch Rexroth team with the local experience and the appropriate know-how from more than 30 industries and all drive and control technologies. Our associates take on their customers’ challenges with passion and persistence until the right solution is found. This is what makes Bosch Rexroth a strong, reliable partner for Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering and Factory Automation. As the Drive & Control Company, we develop, produce, and distribute our components and system solutions in over 80 countries.

    Job Description

    The Application Engineer I supports OEM and distribution customers by assisting with hydraulic system design, product selection, and circuit optimization. Working under the guidance of senior engineers and the Application Engineering Manager, this role ensures that Bosch Rexroth Compact Hydraulics and HydraForce technologies are effectively applied to meet customer requirements. The position is hands-on, development-oriented, and provides exposure to a wide range of mobile equipment applications while contributing directly to the business’s technical and commercial success.

    Application Support

    + Provide technical assistance to customers and sales teams by preparing hydraulic circuit designs, schematics, and component selections.

    + Develop a clear understanding of customer requirements and propose solutions using HydraForce and Rexroth products.

    + Participate in technical reviews, prototype builds, and machine testing with guidance from senior engineers.

    + Partner with Sales to provide technical expertise during the sales process, from concept through production.

    ** **Project Execution

    + Support projects through the full sales process (HG0–HG5), from concept to production launch.

    + Prepare bills of material, schematics, and application documentation.

    + Ensure timely follow-up and communication with internal teams and customers.

    + Coordinate technical presentations, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions with customers.

    Cross-Functional Collaboration

    + Work closely with Sales, Product Management, and Manufacturing teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable.

    + Coordinate with global colleagues to share best practices and lessons learned.

    + Support customer visits, training, and trade shows as needed.

    Continuous Learning & Development

    + Expand technical knowledge of hydraulic systems, compact directional valves (CDVs), and compact power modules (CPMs).

    + Engage in training programs to improve product knowledge and application skills.

    + Contribute to internal process improvements and documentation.

    Expectations & KPIs

    + Up to 50% percent travel

    + Opportunity pipeline growth and conversion (HG1 through HG5)

    + Responsiveness to customer requests and internal inquiries

    + Accuracy and quality of technical deliverables (schematics, BOMs, etc.)

    + Successful project support through prototype and production phases

    + Demonstrated progress in technical and business acumen

    + Best in class application engineering support for customers

    Competencies

    + Technical Aptitude: Foundational understanding of fluid power principles, circuit logic, and component function.

    + Customer Orientation: Eagerness to understand customer needs and contribute to practical solutions.

    + Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

    + Learning Agility: Desire to continuously learn new products, tools, and design practices.

    + Analytical Thinking: Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve within defined parameters.

    + Communication: Clear written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences.

    + Ownership: Demonstrates accountability for assigned tasks and deadlines.

    + Continuous Improvement Mindset: Commitment to improving processes, tools, and technical capabilities.

    Qualifications

    Required Knowledge, Skills, Ability, Training, Experience, etc.

     

    Demonstrated ability to drive sales opportunities from HG0 to HG5

     

    Proven ability to develop hydraulic solutions with a deep understanding of hydraulic machinery/systems

     

    Base understanding of data analysis and filtering in MS Excel

     

    Proficiency with some or all the various computer software programs such as MS Word, Outlook

     

    Possess problem-solving skills

     

    Must be able to follow guidelines and instructions and be comfortable recommending improvements

     

    Ability to work well under time constraints, able to complete projects within deadlines

     

    Possess good interpersonal skills, ability to work well independently & within group settings

     

    Have good written and verbal communication skills

    Highest Education Level

    **Required -** High School Diploma/GED

    **Preferred -** Bachelor Degree

     

    Degree Majors, Fields of Study, Certification, Licenses Required

     

    Special License/Certification - Certified Fluid Power Specialist

    Additional Information

    Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable.

    Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans

    *Bosch adheres to Federal, State, and Local laws regarding drug-testing. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen and background check. Candidates who have been offered the position must pass both screenings before their start date.