Mechanical Test & Development Engineer

Cintal, Inc.; Chillicothe (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

2 weeks paid time off per year (pro‑r.

Medical insurance (including dental &

Life insurance & disability coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation expense reimbursement (case

Yearly bonus based on company perf

Job summary

Cintal, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support drivetrain component testing, data collection, and analysis in a hybrid environment.

The role involves hands-on testing, plan development, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive product validation. Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, basic data analytics skills, and familiarity with test equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development, testing or validation.
• Experience with drivetrain systems, automotive components, or lab testing preferred.
• Familiarity with test equipment, instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test procedures and technical specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support drivetrain component testing, validation, data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Perform pre-test and post-test inspections to evaluate performance and identify failure modes.
• Develop, execute, and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Install, verify, and troubleshoot instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data and provide conclusions, recommendations and reports.
• Collaborate with design, development, and analysis teams to support product validation.
• Ensure laboratory safety and ISO 17025 compliance.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Internship/Co-op in automotive or testing

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

BENEFITS:

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 2 weeks of paid time off per year, the current year is pro-rated based on start date
• Access to the company’s medical insurance, including dental and vision
• Eligibility for life insurance and disability coverage for short or long-term disabilities or long- term care needs
• 401 (k) eligibility with employer contribution annually
• Reimbursement for relocation expenses up to a certain amount on a case-by-case basis
• Yearly bonus based on company performance

JOB DESCRIPTION/TYPICAL TASK BREAKDOWN:

• Support drivetrain component testing, inspection, data collection, analysis, and reporting of engineering conclusions and recommendations.
• Perform pre-test and post-test evaluation of hardware to identify performance issues and failure modes.
• Assist in project planning, test planning, scheduling, and budgeting activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and improve test methods, procedures, and safe job practices for drivetrain component validation.
• Verify instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and measurement equipment throughout testing activities.
• Conduct hands-on inspection and troubleshooting of components, instrumentation, and test setups.
• Collaborate with design, analysis, and development teams to execute test plans and provide technical recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, test summaries, and presentations for internal and external customers.
• Support ISO 17025 laboratory compliance requirements related to instrumentation and equipment.
• Work in a hybrid environment consisting of approximately 50% office work and 50% laboratory/shop-floor activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support drivetrain component testing, validation, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Perform pre-test and post-test inspections to evaluate component performance and identify failure modes.
• Develop, execute, and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Install, verify, and troubleshoot instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data and provide engineering conclusions, recommendations, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with design, development, and analysis teams to support product validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and ISO 17025 quality requirements.
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis of drivetrain components.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for test methods, processes, and equipment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-2 years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development, testing, or validation.
• Experience with drivetrain systems, automotive components, or laboratory testing is preferred.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, data analysis, and failure investigation techniques.
• Familiarity with test equipment, instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, test procedures, and technical specifications.
• Internship, co-op, or project experience in automotive, manufacturing, or product testing environments is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and machine design.
• Understanding of drivetrain systems, transmissions, axles, gears, bearings, and related mechanical components.
• Experience with mechanical testing, validation, inspection, and failure analysis methodologies.
• Ability to use test equipment, sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting test data and technical reports.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of CAD software (Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices and engineering testing procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience with drivetrain, transmission, axle, or powertrain component testing and validation.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing environments, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of failure analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action methodologies.
• Experience with CAD tools such as Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
• Understanding of automotive industry standards and engineering best practices.
• Exposure to ISO 17025 laboratory processes and quality systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with cross-functional teams.
• Previous internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in automotive product development or testing is a plus.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and global team. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are pleased to offer visa sponsorship for eligible and qualified individuals.

Cintal provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.