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DevelopmentResearch Engineer II

RFA Engineering

Job Location:

Chillicothe, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 60000 - 80000

Posted: 21 August 2026 (16 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 18 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Department:

Mechanical Engineering

Job Summary

RFA Engineering() is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Mid Level candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customers world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with afull benefit packagelisted below that includesopportunitiesfor professional growth direct hire by our customers and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Development/Research Engineer II

The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting product development validation testing and continuous improvement activities for complex mechanical systems and equipment. Work may include test planning test execution data acquisition analysis failure investigation prototype evaluation and communication of results. Projects may involve engines power systems machine components structural systems and other products used in industrial construction mining and off-highway applications. The work will be highly collaborative with engineering validation manufacturing laboratory and supplier teams.

Responsibilities

Develop conduct analyze and manage product validation and development testing activities.
Create test plans and procedures for mechanical systems components and equipment.
Coordinate the design and procurement of prototype hardware needed to support testing.
Set up test equipment instrumentation sensors and gaging for laboratory bench and field testing activities.
Use data acquisition systems to collect performance vibration stress strain and other test data.
Analyze test data and evaluate product performance reliability and durability.
Perform vibration durability performance reliability and structural testing activities.
Support validation of mechanical systems components structures and equipment through laboratory and field testing.
Investigate test and field failures and provide technical guidance to support product improvements and corrective actions.
Work with design and simulation teams to compare test results with analytical predictions.
Manage multiple validation projects schedules test resources and deliverables.
Generate technical reports and clearly communicate test conclusions and recommendations.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers engineering teams laboratory technicians and suppliers.
Identify opportunities to improve validation methods testing efficiency and data quality.
Travel to customer supplier laboratory proving ground or field locations pending project need (up to 25%).

Requirements

Engineering testing validation or related experience. Relevant internship and co-op experience will be considered.
Basic understanding of mechanical systems machinery equipment or product development processes.
Ability to develop and interpret engineering drawings sketches schematics and technical reports.
Strong analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Strong initiative and attention to detail.
Excellent technical communication skills both written and verbal.
Demonstrated ability to plan projects manage priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to evaluate test results and communicate technical conclusions.
Ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams technicians customers and suppliers.
Ability to travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

Desired Attributes

Experience with product validation testing reliability or durability engineering activities.
Understanding of structural dynamics vibration testing NVH testing or structural simulation.
Experience using data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.
Experience with vibration durability performance or structural testing activities.
Experience collecting analyzing and interpreting engineering test data.
Experience coordinating prototype hardware test fixtures and laboratory resources.
Experience with mechanical systems power systems industrial equipment off-road equipment heavy machinery or similar products.
Experience investigating product or system failures and supporting root cause analysis.
Experience managing multiple engineering or validation projects.
Experience working with cross-functional teams including design manufacturing validation and suppliers.
Ability to identify process improvements and champion new testing or validation initiatives.
Desire to work in an engineering environment focused on product quality reliability durability and robust design.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60000 - $80000 Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural construction mining recreational industrial and special machines. Our work includes concept development product design documentation problem-solving simulation optimization and testing of components systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis branch office in Dubuque IA and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits