Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer 1 in Mossville, IL. The work will be done 100% onsite, Monday through Friday, with core hours of 7:00 AM-3:30 PM (flexible start times). This is a 12-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is at $32/hr + full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).
Job Summary
We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to support the development, testing, and validation of drivetrain components, including transmissions and axles, within an engineering development laboratory. This role involves preparing and monitoring mechanical tests, inspecting hardware, collecting and analyzing test data, and developing engineering conclusions and recommendations. The engineer will also support test procedure improvements, instrumentation verification, and troubleshooting of mechanical component failures. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and an interest in hands-on laboratory testing and product development.
Key Responsibilities
- Support mechanical testing, inspection, and validation of drivetrain components, including transmissions, axles, and related hardware.
- Review test setups, assist with test startup, monitor testing activities, and verify proper instrumentation and data collection.
- Perform pre-test and post-test hardware inspections to identify component failures, wear, damage, and potential design improvements.
- Set up and utilize measurement instruments, data acquisition systems, micrometers, and surface profilimeters.
- Perform data reduction, engineering analysis, and interpretation of test results to identify trends, failure modes, and performance issues.
- Prepare technical reports, test summaries, engineering conclusions, and recommendations based on test findings.
- Support the development and improvement of test methods, laboratory procedures, and safe job procedures.
- Collaborate with design, analysis, and development engineers to plan tests, troubleshoot issues, and support product improvements.
- Assist with project planning, testing schedules, and technical discussions with internal and external engineering teams.
- Support laboratory instrumentation and equipment requirements in accordance with ISO 17025-related procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical engineering discipline.
- 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience. Recent graduates and candidates with relevant engineering internships will be considered.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, mechanical systems, and engineering problem-solving.
- Ability and willingness to perform hands-on mechanical hardware inspections, component testing, and failure analysis.
- Familiarity with mechanical measurement instruments, including micrometers, surface profilimeters, or similar precision measurement tools.
- Ability to set up or work with data acquisition systems, collect test data, and perform engineering data analysis.
- Ability to develop, follow, and improve mechanical test procedures based on engineering findings.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
- Familiarity with engineering software, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD) applications.
- Ability to prepare clear technical reports, test summaries, and engineering recommendations.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing assigned testing and engineering activities.
- Willingness to work in a hands-on engineering laboratory and shop-floor environment, including performing physical inspections of components before and after testing.
- Ability to work 100% onsite in Mossville, IL, with occasional travel as required.
- Preferred QualificationsPrevious internship or professional experience in mechanical testing, product development, validation, or engineering laboratories.
- Experience working with drivetrain components, transmissions, axles, or other mechanical powertrain systems.
- Experience with mechanical component failure analysis, hardware troubleshooting, and engineering test validation.
- Familiarity with test instrumentation, sensors, measurement equipment, and data acquisition systems.
- Experience performing advanced data analysis, including digital filtering, data plotting, and engineering calculations.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 laboratory standards, test procedures, and equipment requirements.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), or manufacturing-related engineering projects.
- Previous experience in heavy equipment, automotive, industrial machinery, or mechanical component development.
- Strong ability to collaborate across engineering teams and communicate technical findings.
Why This Role?
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career Mechanical Engineer to gain practical experience in mechanical testing, drivetrain development, engineering analysis, and product validation.
You will work directly with engineers and technical specialists supporting the development of transmissions, axles, and other critical mechanical systems used in heavy equipment and industrial applications.
The role provides a balanced work environment involving approximately 50% engineering office work and 50% hands-on laboratory or shop-floor activities, allowing you to develop both analytical and practical engineering skills.
Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential, competitive benefits, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful engineering projects supporting a global leader in heavy machinery and manufacturing.