Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Location: Modesto, CA

Reporting to: Branch Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Expected Starting Salary: $85,000 - $95,000

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), PTO, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, EAP

About Hydraulic Controls, Inc.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned premier fluid power distributor serving customers throughout the Western United States. For more than 60 years, our employee-owners and supplier partners have built our reputation on ethical business practices, value-added customer service, technical expertise, and local inventory.

We are a practical, relationship-driven company with a strong operational focus. Our branches support customers who rely on responsive service, dependable products, and people who know how to solve problems.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced Electrical Engineer who can design practical, reliable low-voltage DC control systems for mobile equipment. This role is a strong fit for someone with a background in mobile equipment controls, mechatronics, electro-mechanical systems, or similar hands-on electrical engineering applications.

• Mobile Equipment Controls Expertise – Brings experience designing, troubleshooting, and improving low-voltage DC electrical control systems used in real-world equipment applications.
• Practical Design Judgment – Understands how to balance customer requirements, component selection, manufacturability, reliability, cost, and serviceability.
• Testing and Troubleshooting Discipline – Is comfortable using diagnostic tools, validating system performance, identifying issues, and confirming that finished products meet quality and functional expectations.
• Hands-On Engineering Mindset – Is willing and able to support prototype installation, field testing, diagnostics, and equipment-level problem solving in practical shop or field environments.

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for designing low-voltage DC electrical control systems for mobile equipment, including schematics, component selection, prototype support, testing, troubleshooting, and production documentation. This role supports the development of practical, reliable mobile machine control solutions and works closely with internal teams to ensure designs meet customer requirements, quality expectations, and production needs.

This position is well suited for an engineer with experience in mobile equipment controls, mechatronics, electro-mechanical systems, or similar hands-on electrical engineering applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluates electrical systems, products, components, and applications by designing and conducting research programs; applying knowledge of electricity and materials.
• Develops electrical products by studying customer requirements; researching and testing manufacturing and assembly methods and materials.
• Assures product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and system capabilities.
• Prepares product reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Provides engineering information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintains product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations.
• Assists in maintaining the approved Item and Vendor lists, ensuring both are kept accurate and up-to-date.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Help promote the use of HCI and MCDS products in mobile equipment.
• Assist with installation and testing of prototype control systems including using hand tools, using testing and diagnostic tools, climbing on equipment, crawling under equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• A.S. Degree in related field with five years practical experience designing low voltage DC control systems, Bachelors Degree strongly preferred.
• Ability to produce quality CAD drawings.
• Electronic Systems, Electronics Troubleshooting, Electronic Testing Design, Project Management, Quality Focus, Database Design, Analyzing Information, Reporting Research Results, Attention to Detail, Emphasizing Excellence, Innovation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficiency with electrical diagnostic devices such as DMM, oscilloscope, and frequency generator.

Work Location

This role is located at our production facility in Modesto, California.

Benefits and Perks

HCI offers a strong benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and low out-of-pocket max expenses
• 401(k) plan with a 4.5% company match
• 100% employee-owned through HCI’s Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Through HCI’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, eligible employees can build an ownership stake in the company over time at no direct cost to them, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the hiring process and perform the essential functions of the position.