Entry Level Project Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 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 includesopportunitiesfor professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting the development of engines, powertrain systems, cast components, and off‑highway equipment. Work will include product design, product improvement, cost reduction, product health, prototype support, validation, and manufacturing support activities. Potential projects may involve diesel and natural gas engines, axles, drives, gears, torque converters, cast components, and systems used in construction, mining, and industrial equipment. The work will be highly collaborative with both internal customers and external suppliers.

• Participate in design, development, build, and validation activities related to engines, powertrain systems, and off‑highway equipment.
• Collaborate with design teams to develop and improve mechanical systems and components.
• Work with validation and system engineers to ensure product requirements are satisfied through appropriate testing and analysis.
• Support prototype, pilot, and production build activities.
• Assist with product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support root cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Work with factory operations, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to support robust product solutions.
• Support Bill of Material (BOM) creation and maintenance activities.
• Create and update engineering documentation, models, and product structures.
• Assist with APQP activities and product development processes.
• Support supplier and customer interactions as needed.
• Collaborate with other groups (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Validation, Quality, Supplier Development, etc.) as necessary.
• Travel to supplier or customer sites pending project need (up to ~5%).

• BSME, BSMET or equivalent degree with experience.
• Entry level candidates and experienced candidates will be considered.
• Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to travel (less than 10% of time).

• Experience with the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process.
• Experience in 3‑D Modeling Software; Creo (Pro/Engineer) experience.
• Previous experience with Teamcenter or other PDM software.
• Experience with manufacturing processes.
• Design experience or exposure to off‑road mobile equipment, engines, powertrain systems, or heavy machinery.
• Experience with shop or factory support.
• Exposure to validation, prototype builds, testing, or product development activities.
• Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective design.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60,000-$78,000 – 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.

• 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

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.

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering.

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

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.