Internship Systems Engineer 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 to experienced 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.

Control Systems Engineer

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will support the development, testing, and improvement of machine control systems, including electro-hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and implement systems. The role combines MATLAB/Simulink modeling, simulation, hands-on machine testing, troubleshooting, data analysis, and system tuning to deliver reliable performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control systems for electro-hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and machine implement systems.
• Create and maintain control system models using MATLAB and Simulink.
• Perform simulations and virtual testing to evaluate system performance.
• Conduct machine testing, troubleshooting, and control system tuning.
• Analyze machine and sensor data to improve system performance and reliability.
• Work with design, software, and test engineers to develop and validate control system solutions.
• Translate customer and operator feedback into measurable product improvements.
• Support product development activities from concept through production.
• Create and maintain technical documentation related to control system development and testing.
• Assists in creating and following electrical design schedule, from specification concept to system up completion, while keeping to an overall project schedule.

• Analyze plant processes, design and implement improvements.

• Troubleshooting issues with hardware and processes.

• Analyze project requirements and perform technical calculations supporting design including electrical requirements, robotic safety standards, and motor controls.

• Ensure all relevant safety objectives and legal requirements are observed for all work completed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
• Experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or professional engineering roles.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, or similar modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.

Desired Attributes

• Experience designing, implementing, or validating control systems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, or similar modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with embedded software development or controls integration.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, powertrain systems, robotics, or autonomous machine technologies.
• Experience operating, testing, or developing construction, agricultural, mining, or other off-highway equipment.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensor technologies, and machine diagnostics.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 – 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
• 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