Service Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Do you enjoy taking things apart, figuring out what went wrong, and putting them back together better than before?

As a Inspection & Repair Associate, you'll inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and test hydraulic cylinders while helping ensure our customers receive reliable, high-quality products. This role combines hands-on mechanical work with problem-solving and root cause investigation, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working with tools, precision measurements, and technical challenges.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and mechanically inclined Inspection & Repair Associate to support our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. In this role, you will evaluate returned hydraulic cylinders and components, identify failure modes and root causes, and perform repairs that return products to service. You will work with measuring equipment, blueprints, inspection reports, and testing procedures to ensure repaired products meet company and customer specifications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive and tag customer-returned cylinders with the appropriate RMA number to maintain traceability throughout the evaluation and repair process.
• Disassemble hydraulic cylinders returned by customers and evaluate components for damage, wear, failure modes, and root causes.
• Prepare detailed inspection and evaluation reports, including findings and disposition recommendations.
• Inspect components using measuring and inspection equipment to verify conformance to specifications and engineering drawings.
• Clean, repair, or coordinate the rework of damaged components as required.
• Re-stamp cylinders with assigned RMA numbers to maintain product identification and traceability.
• Assemble hydraulic cylinders and related components according to blueprints, work instructions, and engineering specifications.
• Fasten parts using bolts, screws, speed clips, rivets, and other approved fastening methods.
• Utilize appropriate assembly, testing, and inspection equipment to ensure products meet quality and engineering requirements.
• Perform functional testing and inspections throughout the repair and assembly process.
• Conduct weekly Layered Process Audits (LPAs).
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in accordance with company safety and housekeeping standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Working knowledge of basic measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and related inspection equipment.
• Basic ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, email, and data entry systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot equipment and component issues.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Forklift experience.
• Basic understanding of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Experience performing inspections, repairs, or mechanical assembly.
• Root cause analysis experience or interest in learning structured problem-solving methodologies.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• You'll work on real products that support critical industrial applications.
• Every day brings something different, from hands-on repairs to root cause investigations and customer-return evaluations.
• You'll use precision measuring equipment, blueprints, and quality systems that challenge your skills and help you grow.
• We provide the tools, training, and support needed to be successful.
• You'll work alongside experienced teammates who value teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and pride in workmanship.
• Your work directly impacts product quality, customer satisfaction, and business success.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a manufacturing environment. Employees regularly work near moving mechanical equipment and may occasionally be exposed to wet or humid (non-weather) conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typically loud.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Use hands to handle, assemble, inspect, and repair components.
• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally sit, talk, or hear.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to support successful performance of the essential functions of this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas Hydraulics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related factors without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.