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Durability Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Process Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Perform vibration, durability, performance, reliability, and structural testing activities.

RFA Engineering

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Support reliability, durability, and performance testing activities. * Create and maintain test ...

RFA Engineering

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Support reliability, durability, and performance testing activities. * Create and maintain test ...

Purple Hires Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

Mechanical Engineer 2 - Simple Job Summary Location: Tech Center Building G, Caterpillar Work ... Install instrumentation and execute performance and durability tests. * Analyze test data and ...

Golden Eagle Distributing

Test Engineer

Lake Zurich, IL

$80K/yr

... durability, safety, and quality standards. The salary range for this position starts at $80,000 and ... Collaborate with engineering project teams to achieve testing objectives and meet project timelines.

Rfamec

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Support reliability, durability, and performance testing activities. * Create and maintain test ...

ECHO

Test Engineer

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$80K/yr

... durability, safety, and quality standards. The salary range for this position starts at $80,000 and ... Collaborate with engineering project teams to achieve testing objectives and meet project timelines.

Atlas

Bridge/Highway Structural Engineer 3

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Improves structural engineering designs by establishing functionality, reliability, maintainability, and durability test standards and performing analytical and numerical quantification procedures ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Normal, IL · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

This engineer must operate with meaningful autonomy, manage multiple technical inputs, and drive ... Partner with design, CAE, manufacturing, quality, corrosion, durability, purchasing, and supplier ...

Jacuzzi Group

Mechanical Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$87K/yr

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Roselle, IL ... Lead product validation efforts including: reliability testing, durability testing, performance ...

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All JobsDurability Engineer JobsDurability Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Durability Engineer information

What is a durability engineer?

A Durability Engineer is a professional who evaluates and ensures the longevity and reliability of products, components, or systems under various conditions. Their main role is to design, test, and analyze materials and structures to predict their performance over time, identifying potential failure points and recommending improvements. Durability Engineers often work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where product lifespan is critical. They use simulation tools, laboratory tests, and real-world data to optimize products for durability and cost-effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a durability engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Durability Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and failure analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, and data acquisition systems, as well as knowledge of industry testing standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting findings. These skills and qualifications ensure that products meet long-term reliability standards, reducing warranty costs and enhancing customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by durability engineers, and how are they typically addressed?

Durability Engineers often encounter challenges related to simulating real-world conditions accurately and managing tight project timelines. Balancing the need for thorough testing with time and budget constraints requires careful planning and prioritization. Collaboration with design, materials, and testing teams is essential to identify potential failure modes early and implement solutions before production. Proactive communication and continual learning about new materials and testing methodologies help Durability Engineers stay ahead of potential issues.

What is the difference between Durability Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectDurability EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Materials Engineering; certifications like PE or ASQBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, R&D centers, manufacturing facilitiesResearch labs, manufacturing plants, product development teams
Industry UsageFocus on product longevity, failure analysis, durability testingFocus on material selection, properties, and development

Durability Engineers primarily focus on testing and ensuring product longevity and performance over time, often working closely with testing labs and manufacturing. Materials Engineers concentrate on developing and selecting materials to meet product requirements. While both roles require a strong background in engineering and materials, their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Durability Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Durability Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Durability Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Development/Research Engineer II

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) 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
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.

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