Mechanical Test Engineer

RFA Engineering ( ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced 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 customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility located near Milwaukee, WI.

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

Mechanical Test Engineer

The Test Engineer will manage the test process from requirements review through final reporting. This includes developing procedures, creating test fixtures, configuring instrumentation and data acquisition systems, analyzing results, and maintaining clear, traceable engineering records. The position works closely with design engineering, product management, manufacturing, quality, and third-party certification organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans and step-by-step procedures from product requirements, customer specifications, and applicable agency standards.
• Design, build, and verify test fixtures, test stands, and laboratory setups.
• Configure data acquisition systems, sensors, and instrumentation to collect accurate and traceable test data.
• Conduct environmental, cycle and life, performance, functional, pressure, leak, and certification testing on prototype and production components.
• Monitor long-duration testing and document test conditions, equipment, samples, deviations, and results.
• Analyze test data using statistical methods and compare results with defined requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Prepare formal test reports that clearly document objectives, setups, methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Coordinate product certification activities, including submittals, witness testing, follow-up inspections, and listing maintenance.
• Investigate test failures and field returns, supporting root-cause analysis and corrective-action verification.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, fixtures, calibration records, test logs, and data archives.
• Improve test efficiency by automating data collection, analysis, and reporting where practical.
• Present results and technical recommendations to engineering, quality, manufacturing, product management, and customer stakeholders.
• Support occasional travel for technical training, certification testing, or manufacturing issue resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience, including internships, in product testing, validation, or laboratory engineering.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, multimeters, and data loggers.
• Ability to create clear, repeatable test procedures and professional engineering test reports.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand electromechanical control systems.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined handling of test data and engineering records.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft productivity tools.
• Awareness of practical artificial intelligence applications in engineering workflows.
• Ability to work effectively with customers and cross-functional, international teams.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with environmental chambers, vibration or shock equipment, and cycle test stands.
• Experience with LabVIEW, NI data acquisition hardware, Python, or similar test automation tools.
• Working knowledge of UL, CSA, IEC, or ASHRAE standards related to controls or refrigeration components.
• Experience with design validation, production validation, DVP&R, accelerated life testing, or test-to-failure methods.
• Experience with pressure, leak, or refrigeration system testing, including proof, burst, helium leak, or pressure decay methods.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, Weibull or reliability analysis, design of experiments, and statistical process control.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory practices and calibration management.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, Windchill, SAP, or Microsoft Project.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$85,000 – 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

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.