Development/Research Engineer II

Job Description

Job Description

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 customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a  full benefit package  listed below that includes opportunities for 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: $60,000 - $80,000 – 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
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly