Carlson Hydraulics
Job Performance Profile
Position: Mechanical Engineer/Draftsman
Employment Type: Full-time, Hourly + Overtime (paid after 40 hours)
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM (current team working 7 AM – 4:30 PM)
Work Location: On-site (Wichita, Kansas) – No remote work due to cybersecurity and confidentiality
Role Type: Individual Contributor (no leadership responsibilities)
Company Website: www.carlsonhyd.com
Company Overview
Carlson Hydraulics is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders, renowned for its innovative and reliable engineering solutions. Founded in 1953 and acquired by Midway Manufacturing in 2018, Carlson Hydraulics specializes in welded hydraulic cylinders for OEMs in the oil field, construction, and material handling industries. The company is committed to quality, cost efficiency, and outstanding customer service. Recent innovations include smart hydraulic cylinders and integrated cartridge valve cylinders.
Carlson Hydraulics values work-life balance, ensuring employees are not overworked while maintaining an engaging and supportive work environment. The company’s leadership fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Employee Value Proposition
Carlson Hydraulics offers stability, professional growth, and a collaborative team environment. Employees enjoy competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a strong commitment to innovation. The company prioritizes work-life balance, providing reasonable work hours and fostering a positive, low-stress culture.
Core Values
- Continuous Improvement – Striving for excellence in processes and products.
- Accountability – Owning responsibilities and delivering results.
- Respect for Perspectives – Valuing diverse ideas and collaboration.
- Transparent Communication – Encouraging honesty and openness.
- Resilience & Adaptability – Navigating challenges with agility.
- Results-Driven Dedication – Maintaining a focus on achieving company goals.
- Servant Leadership – Supporting and empowering employees.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and draft hydraulic cylinders and components using SolidWorks.
- Create and revise engineering documents, including BOMs, assembly instructions, and technical specifications.
- Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to inform design decisions.
- Support manufacturing by preparing documentation and troubleshooting design/manufacturing issues.
- Participate in project meetings and contribute to design reviews.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Drafting, or related field.
- Experience: 3+ years of SolidWorks experience.
- Skills:
- Strong mechanical design background (hydraulics preferred, but not required).
- Detail-oriented with technical accuracy.
- Collaborative and effective communicator.
- Self-motivated in a fast-paced work setting.
Performance Expectations & Success Metrics
- Ability to quickly learn the company’s systems and design processes.
- Efficiently produce 1-3 hydraulic cylinder designs per day, depending on complexity.
- Provide accurate and high-quality technical drawings for quoting and customer response.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills in collaboration with the engineering team.
Work Environment & Reporting Structure
- Reports to VP of Engineering – A quiet, laid-back leader dedicated to the company’s success.
- Team-oriented culture with structured but flexible work expectations.
- Focus on balancing work and personal life – No expectation of excessive overtime.
Benefits & Compensation Package
- 401(k) Matching
- Bonuses (Biannual)
- Profit Sharing
- Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield (low-cost employee contributions).
- Payroll: Biweekly.
Hiring Process
- Initial candidate screening.
- Phone interview.
- On-site interview with engineering leadership.
- Offer and onboarding.
Carlson Hydraulics is an equal opportunity employer (EEOC-compliant) and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and fair workplace for all employees.