Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuild Specialist
Location: Grand Rapids, MI · Employment Type: Direct Hire · Openings: 1
A Day in the Shop
Start your morning in a well-organized Grand Rapids facility, reviewing work orders for a mix of cylinders, valves, and the occasional pump. You’ll evaluate failures, tear down assemblies, and take precise measurements of rods, barrels, pistons, and internal components to determine reuse versus replacement. From there, you’ll rebuild and reseal to specification, install wear parts, polish as needed, and pressure test to confirm the repair is production-ready. You’ll document what you found, what you fixed, and why—and when possible, you’ll recommend upgrades (like improved seals) to prevent repeat failures. Some projects will include reading hydraulic and electrical schematics and, from time to time, servicing pneumatic cylinders.
About the Company
Pro Services has partnered with a Grand Rapids–based industrial equipment company serving the automotive, food, and commercial markets. This team specializes in waste recycling and dock equipment and operates a dedicated division that rebuilds hydraulic cylinders, valves, pumps, and motors. It’s a collaborative, people-first environment with room to grow, take ownership from teardown through final test, and see the direct impact of your workmanship.
What You’ll Handle
- Inspect and diagnose hydraulic cylinders and components for wear, damage, leaks, corrosion, and root cause of failure.
- Disassemble, clean, and measure rods, barrels, pistons, and internals using precision instruments to determine repair strategy.
- Rebuild and reseal to specification; install seals, wear rings, pistons, glands; buff/polish as required.
- Service valves and select pumps in addition to cylinders.
- Perform pressure testing to verify quality and performance standards.
- Read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics for integrated systems.
- Recommend reliability upgrades (e.g., seal improvements) to avoid repeat failures.
- Work efficiently to meet quoted repair times while maintaining quality.
- Document findings, parts used, repairs performed, and test results; communicate follow-ups to your supervisor.
- Occasionally service pneumatic cylinders.
- Follow safety procedures, including depressurizing systems and releasing stored energy prior to work; maintain a clean, organized work area.
- Assist with inventory and part identification as needed.
What You Bring
- 4–7 years of hands-on hydraulic repair with minimal supervision.
- Experience across a range of cylinder styles and sizes.
- Proven end-to-end skills: diagnosis, rebuild, and testing (not only teardowns).
- Ability to read hydraulic and electrical schematics.
- Knowledge of accumulators.
- Proficiency with precision measuring tools.
- Mechanical aptitude; able to follow measurements, specifications, and work instructions.
- Safe operation of shop and testing equipment; dependable, focused, and self-directed.
- Comfort working independently and within a small, supportive team.
Nice to Have
- Hands-on accumulator service experience.
- Rebuilding cylinders for heavy equipment.
- Repair experience with valves and pumps.
- Background with pneumatic cylinders (not required).
The Team & Culture
Join a tight-knit group that looks out for one another. You’ll work alongside a senior technician who serves as a coach and mentor. Welding is covered in-house, so you can focus on hydraulic excellence. Leadership promotes a culture of support and respect—work hard, be a good teammate, and keep life balance intact.
Compensation, Schedule & Benefits
- $24 – $32 per hour, based on experience.
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; life insurance; 401(k) matching; paid time off.
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to own your work from first diagnosis to final test and want a team that has your back, we’d love to connect. Apply today or contact Kassi Hojnacki, Talent Acquisition, Pro Services Workforce Solutions.