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Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Peoria, IL

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... Create and modify engineering documentation, 3-D models, drawings, and product structures using ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

Peoria, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering * A talent for spatial and systems thinking

ITC, Inc.

Quality Engineer - Entry Level

Peoria, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Our large manufacturing client located in Peoria, Illinois, is looking for an entry-level Quality ... QualificationsEducationBachelor 's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or ...

RFA Engineering

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. * Entry level candidates and experienced ...

Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc.

Senior Design Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... d love to meet you.What You'll DoAs our Senior Design Engineer, you'll lead the design and ... Required QualificationsBachelor 's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering ...

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All JobsR&D Mechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Peoria, IL

Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Peoria, IL salary details

$17

$32

$53

How much do entry level r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level r&d mechanical engineer in Peoria, IL is $32.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level R&D roles in mechanical engineeringDifferences in design-focused mechanical engineering roles

Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineers focus on developing new technologies and prototypes in research environments, while Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and improving existing products for manufacturing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL? For Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL are:
What cities near Peoria, IL are hiring for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Peoria, IL with the most Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Peoria, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,756 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL • On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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 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.
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer
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.
Responsibilities
  • 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%).

Requirements
  • 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.
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal.
  • 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).

Desired Attributes
  • 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
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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