Entry Level Mechanical Test Engineer

Entry Level Mechanical Test Engineer

RFA Engineering is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering timely engineering support and expertise to our clients. We are seeking a growth-oriented 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 in Horicon, WI.

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

The Mechanical Test Engineer is responsible for planning and executing durability and performance testing of prototype components and complete machines throughout key stages of the product development process. This role works closely with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure products meet functional, reliability, and quality requirements prior to production.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute mechanical, durability, and performance tests to support product development and validation activities.
• Collaborate with test requesters and engineering teams to define test objectives, methods, schedules, and success criteria.
• Prepare test setups, fixtures, instrumentation, and test stands for new test programs.
• Conduct laboratory and field tests efficiently while maintaining safety and data integrity.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data; document results and communicate findings to project stakeholders.
• Identify test issues, troubleshoot failures, and support root-cause analysis activities.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other test engineers and cross-functional team members.
• Support vehicle-level testing activities, including planning, execution, and reporting.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, draw conclusions, and make sound engineering recommendations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting test procedures and presenting results.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams across multiple locations.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically to support field testing activities.
• Proficiency using CAD tools such as PTC Creo.

Desired Skills:

• Experience supporting product development programs from concept through production.
• Working knowledge of engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose failures and understand cause-and-effect relationships.
• Experience with digital data acquisition and test instrumentation systems.
• Familiarity with test analysis and automation tools such as nCode, LabVIEW, and MATLAB.
• Experience using enterprise systems such as AgPDM, SAP, or structured root-cause analysis tools.
• Hands-on aptitude with mechanical systems; familiarity with hydraulic and electrical systems is a plus.
• Experience leading and executing vehicle or system-level tests.
• Exposure to off-road, agricultural, utility vehicle, or riding lawn equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to influence and support others.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Pay Range: $65,000-$80,000 – Commensurate with experience.

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
• TelaDoc Healthiest You
• Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Short-term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• HSA for Medical Expenses
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly