Validation Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Illinois

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 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.

Mechanical Engineer

The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting the development, validation, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement of large off-highway equipment used in construction, mining, earthmoving, and industrial applications. Projects may involve large mining trucks, off-highway trucks, wheel loaders, wheel tractor scrapers, wheel dozers, motor graders, and compaction equipment. The work will be highly collaborative with engineering, manufacturing, validation, quality, suppliers, and factory operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, development, build, and validation of mechanical systems and components used in large off-highway equipment.
• Support product development, product improvement, cost reduction, and product health initiatives.
• Research and analyze engineering requirements, specifications, test results, and field issues to develop effective solutions.
• Investigate product, component, and system failures and perform root cause analysis to identify corrective actions.
• Support prototype, pilot, and production builds while working closely with manufacturing and operations teams.
• Collaborate with validation engineers to support machine testing and ensure robust product performance.
• Develop and evaluate design concepts for fabricated structures, mounting systems, castings, machined components, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical systems.
• Support APQP activities and work with suppliers to ensure manufacturability and product quality requirements are achieved.
• Participate in continuous product improvement and quality improvement projects.
• Create and modify engineering documentation, 3-D models, drawings, and product structures using engineering software tools.
• Support factory operations by troubleshooting production issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with other groups (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Supplier Development, Validation, and Marketing) as necessary.
• Travel to supplier or customer locations pending project needs (up to ~10%).

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, assembly operations, machining, welding, or fabrication.
• Experience supporting product development, validation, prototype builds, or new product introduction activities.
• Design experience or exposure to off-road mobile equipment, construction equipment, mining equipment, heavy machinery, or hydraulic systems.
• Experience with shop or factory support.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective design.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $65,000-$95,000 – 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