The hydraulics and pneumatics industry, like so many others, is facing a shortage of skilled engineers entering it. Attracting younger engineers to the fluid power sector will aid future development and application opportunities for hydraulics and pneumatics.
In this third installment of Power & Motion’s Women in Fluid Power Q&A series — conducted in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History month — we asked respondents why younger engineers should consider a career in hydraulics and pneumatics as well as what the industry could be doing to attract new engineers.
Editor’s Note: Questions and responses have been edited for clarity.
Power & Motion: Fluid power, like many fields, is facing a shortage of younger engineers entering it. Why should younger engineers consider entering this field?
Elia Pepper, Applications Engineer, Bosch Rexroth: Fluid power can be an exciting field even if it does not seem like it on the surface. It can be constantly challenging and push younger engineers into a career of lifelong learning. The fluid power industry can fluctuate like any other but is often thought of as a stable career path where the opportunities are endless!
Jessica Horn, Product Manager, Bucher Hydraulics: Fluid power is an industry where you can see how your work has an impact firsthand. Whether it’s a valve used in an attachment to a farm tractor, or a power unit used to move a bucket lift on a utility truck, you can see how your involvement in creating those items makes a difference. At the end of the day, that valve will help your local farm harvest crops from the field and put food on your table. And that bucket lift will have helped the powerline worker to restore power in a neighborhood after a big storm.
Karina Robinson, Vertical Head, Industrial Solutions Americas, ContiTech: First off, I would say please consider a field in engineering! I have worked with several impressive female engineers over the years and there are unlimited opportunities. Not only this, but fluid power is also a field full of innovation and impact. It’s not just about hoses, pumps, and valves — it’s about enabling the world’s infrastructure to function. The world simply cannot function without these products. From heavy machinery that builds our cities to advanced automation in factories, fluid power engineers solve critical challenges daily. There’s also a growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability, which means engineers in this field will play a key role in shaping the future of industrial technology. You can make a difference!
Molli Butler, Product Application Engineering Leader, Motors & Gears, Danfoss Power Solutions: Fluid power is one of those unsung heroes. Everyone needs it, and nobody knows about it. I feel that the more you know about the impact of fluid power, the more you realize there isn't a more fun field to be in! We're literally making the world move! It's so fun to be on vacation with my friends or family and point out a construction vehicle or a piece of material handling equipment and say, "Hey, I designed the hydraulic system on that machine!"
Dr. Elvira Rakova, Direktin Ltd.: Fluid power is a fascinating and highly impactful field. However, I believe the industry needs to be more welcoming to younger engineers by reducing resistance to new ideas and fostering an environment that encourages innovation rather than criticism. To attract more young talent, we must ensure that pneumatics and hydraulics are taught more extensively at universities. That’s why I am currently teaching a course on pneumatics at a university in Italy, as well as conducting postdoctoral research in compressed air. Education plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers, and I believe that by increasing awareness and improving training opportunities, we can bring more young professionals into the field. Plus, I started a YouTube channel, NoBoringPneumatics, [and] hope it can be interesting to younger audiences.
Cindy Cookson, VP and GM of Fluid Power, Americas, Gates: Technologies change, but nothing comes close to the capabilities of fluid power, and specifically hydraulics, to handle heavy-duty work. This is a hardy industry that is always looking for future leaders to carry the torch. Furthermore, fluid power is full of challenges. I like to say, “if it was easy, it would have already been done,” and that cannot be truer than in the fluid power industry. This is a resilient and dynamic field, always in need of fresh talent and forward-thinking leaders to innovate and shape its future.
Rachel Hunter, Project Engineer, E-Controls, Husco: Hydraulics and fluid power is a constantly evolving industry. At Husco, we are always looking for new ways to improve existing designs or break into new markets. There will always be opportunities to innovate, which makes it a great field to go into.
Michelle Gladysz, Product Line Manager – MFB Valves, Moog Inc.: It’s an interesting field because it doesn’t fit nicely into one of the courses you take in college — it’s going to stretch new engineers to learn and blend a variety of disciplines in order to become experts in the technology.
Shari Burton, Regional Sales Manager, Tolomatic: Young engineers should seriously consider a career in fluid power because the industry is evolving rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for innovation. With so many advancements taking place, this field offers both rewarding challenges and the chance to make a real impact. We need fresh ideas and new perspectives to drive the next generation of fluid power technology forward. It's an incredible time to be part of this transformation!
Power & Motion: What advice do you have for younger engineers who may be interested in entering the field?
Sumaiyyah Nizam, Control Systems Engineer, Mobile Hydraulics, Bosch Rexroth: Fluid power is a dynamic and evolving field that offers a unique blend of mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. With advancements in automation, electrification, and smart hydraulics, this industry is becoming more innovative and technology-driven than ever. Younger engineers should consider entering this field because it provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge solutions that directly impact industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace.
For younger engineers interested in fluid power, my advice is to develop a strong foundation in control systems, hydraulics, and automation technologies. Gaining hands-on experience — whether through internships, lab work, or personal projects — can be incredibly valuable. Staying curious and keeping up with industry trends like IoT (Internet of Things) integration, electrification, and autonomous systems will also help set you apart. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship; the industry is full of experienced professionals who are eager to share their knowledge.
Elia Pepper, Bosch Rexroth: I would advise younger engineers interested in entering the fluid power field to stay curious and always be up for a challenge! Many companies are looking for ways to become more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and introduce new technology into their systems. All of these factors will keep a young engineer on their toes.
Jessica Horn, Bucher Hydraulics: Get involved, be curious – reach out and connect with professionals already in the field. If you can sit in on a presentation or attend an event, absolutely do so.
Karina Robinson, ContiTech: Don’t be afraid to get hands-on experience. If you are intrigued, hands-on experience is always the best way to learn. I would highly encourage [finding] an internship, work within plant engineering or do field visits; you can see fluid power systems in action as this will deepen your understanding firsthand. Also, be sure to connect with industry professionals through organizations like the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), Society of Women Engineers (SWE) or Women in Manufacturing (WiM) to build a strong network. Please also do not hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn! I would be more than happy to answer any questions.
Molli Butler, Danfoss: Talk to people who are in the field. Get as much experience out in the real world with operators and the equipment as possible. Take time to understand the everyday needs that people are trying to meet.
Dr. Elvira Rakova, Direktin: My advice is to stay curious and keep learning. Fluid power technology is evolving rapidly, and there are so many opportunities for innovation. Whether it’s through research, software development, or industrial applications, there is always room to make a meaningful impact. I also encourage young engineers to seek mentorship and gain hands-on experience through internships or industry collaborations. Practical experience is invaluable in understanding the real-world challenges and applications of fluid power.
Cindy Cookson, Gates: Be open to opportunities that provide exposure to a broad cross-section of the industry as quickly as possible — field application engineering, product development, customer service, systems design, manufacturing, and even corporate areas. The more you learn and understand many areas of the organization the more value you’re able to provide.
Rachel Hunter, Husco: Get in early in your career to see if you like it!
Kellsi Ellis, Product and Applications Engineering Team Lead, Moog Inc.: I think a lot of young engineers typically resonate with the intriguing products like aircraft and motorized vehicles and things that we are used to using and seeing every day. These things are familiar, and the end products of their work are often more clear in these industries than the fluid power industry, which I believe is one of the reasons younger engineers do not enter into the fluid power field. People want to have a purpose, and feel like what they are doing and working on matters. I think it is often just a matter of perspective, and that realizing that at the end of the day the work is all very similar, and there are other industries out there that are just as interesting and that maybe aren’t the first to be thought about like fluid power. I would advise to really do some research, and maybe shadow an engineer or intern in these fields to truly get a feel for what it is like in this industry, and how the products can be used in everyday life.
Michelle Gladysz, Moog: Put in the time to build, test, [and] play with the components hands on. Nothing can compare with seeing the hardware for yourself and getting some oil on your hands running a test rig. It’s one thing to have a beautiful 3D model of your assembly but to put it together and test it yourself you will take away so many more lessons.
Shari Burton, Tolomatic: My advice to young engineers is to start with a well-established small company in the industry and take on an entry-level role. This will give you the opportunity to learn firsthand from seasoned engineers while also bringing fresh ideas to the table. Even if you eventually outgrow that company, the experience and foundation you build will be invaluable for your future in the field.
Power & Motion: What could the industry as a whole be doing to help attract younger engineers to enter a career in fluid power?
Sumaiyyah Nizam, Bosch Rexroth: To attract more young engineers to fluid power, the industry needs to emphasize its evolving role in modern technology, particularly in automation, electrification, and sustainability. Many engineering students may not be fully aware of how integral fluid power is to industries like robotics, aerospace, and heavy machinery. A common misconception is that fluid power is only about valve design, but in reality, it is so much more. It is an exciting and multidisciplinary engineering domain. Increasing awareness through university partnerships, hands-on workshops, and industry-sponsored competitions can help showcase the exciting opportunities available.
Additionally, companies should invest in mentorship programs, internships, and co-op opportunities that provide young engineers with real-world experience. Highlighting career growth potential, diverse applications, and the impact of fluid power innovations can make the field more appealing. The industry should also embrace digitalization and emerging technologies, ensuring that young engineers see fluid power as a forward-thinking, technology-driven field rather than just traditional hydraulics and pneumatics. By modernizing its image and actively engaging with the next generation of engineers, the fluid power industry can secure a strong and innovative workforce for the future.
Elia Pepper, Bosch Rexroth: Starting early and offering internships, providing hydraulic courses for high school and college level students, and providing mentorship programs for early career engineers are a few ways we can attract younger engineers into the industry. There is a huge knowledge gap in this industry, and beginning to build up engineers as early as possible may help initiate interest in such a technically diverse industry.
Jessica Horn, Bucher Hydraulics: Exposure, exposure, exposure. If you can connect with local high schools, tech centers, colleges or universities, do it. As I mentioned earlier, hydraulics wasn’t something that I was aware of. Now that I know about it, I see it everywhere. So, if it’s a career day or a guest lecture that you and/or your company can participate in, I would take advantage of every opportunity to spread the word [about] fluid power.
Karina Robinson, ContiTech: It’s about promoting early on! Therefore, the industry should promote the general awareness of what fluid power is and fluid power’s overall importance, starting at the university and even high school levels. I can tell you when I was in high school or college, this would have all been foreign to me. We need to have more outreach programs, career days at schools, scholarships, and even hands-on competitions — such as fluid power challenges — which all can help spark interest. Additionally, companies should highlight the endless amount of career growth opportunities and how fluid power is more than just fluid power! Fluid power engineering intersects with many emerging technologies like automation, electrification, and sustainability, making it an exciting and rewarding field to join with opportunities in virtually every major city and state throughout the country.
Read some of our articles about the NFPA's Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, one of many hands-on opportunities it provides students of all age ranges:
Molli Butler, Danfoss: I think the industry as a whole would really benefit just by having greater awareness of what fluid power is and how far our reach extends. Young engineers may be passionate about sustainability or about world hunger and be looking for ways to make an impact or get involved. The more that we can draw the connection from those large passions back to fluid power, we will have way more talent excited to start investing in real meaningful change for ourselves, our families, our communities and the world.
Dr. Elvira Rakova, Direktin: The industry needs to modernize its approach to attracting young engineers. This includes incorporating more digital tools, providing better education on the subject, and creating a more inclusive and innovative environment. Additionally, companies and universities should collaborate more closely to offer specialized courses and training programs. By integrating modern technology, such as AI (artificial intelligence) and data analytics, into fluid power education, we can make the field more appealing to the younger generation.
Cindy Cookson, Gates: Fluid power is pretty specific, but if we zoom out a bit, getting younger engineers interested in careers in manufacturing can be a great step toward interest in fluid power. One of my most memorable college classes was Manufacturing Processes where we actually got to make products — casting, machining, heat treat, injection molding, welding, and more. It’s where I realized I enjoyed working with physical, tangible goods. To bring it full circle, many processes are made possible through fluid power!
Rachel Hunter, Husco: A focus on learning and fostering young talent is key to retaining young people in fluid power. Leadership opportunities and ownership over projects has helped me gain confidence in my abilities.
Kellsi Ellis, Moog: As I mentioned previously, offering more opportunities to shadow, intern, co-op — all of these will allow young engineers to gain more perspective inside of the industry and see that it can be extremely cool and rewarding to be a part of. I didn’t realize the capabilities within the fluid power industry until I was already in it.
Michelle Gladysz, Moog: Moog has some great programs for internships and co-ops that help build relationships with engineers during their education. This is a great start to help build visibility of what the fluid power industry is all about and how they could fit into it. Many times these internships develop into long careers after they graduate and can be brought on full time. We also have outreach programs to high school and even younger students in a variety of communities to get people excited about the different technologies and career options that are out there from a young age.
Shari Burton, Tolomatic: To attract more young engineers to fluid power, the industry needs to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that showcase its impact. One great approach could be creating competitions that pair engineering students with fluid power companies, allowing them to work on real applications and problem-solving challenges. By giving students a firsthand look at the innovation and excitement in this field, we can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in fluid power.
