Mechanical Validation Engineer

RFA Engineering; Chillicothe (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

Health Savings Account

Vision Insurance

Company Paid / Supplemental Life

Long-Term Disability

401k Plan

Job summary

RFA Engineering seeks a Mechanical Validation Engineer to plan, coordinate, and execute vibration and structural dynamics testing on engines and related systems. You will collaborate with design, simulation, instrumentation, and validation teams to ensure product quality and reliability.

The role emphasizes instrumentation planning and data collection, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 2+ years of engineering/testing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Two or more years of relevant engineering or testing experience; master’s degree with at least three years may be considered.
• Understanding of engine systems, rotating machinery, or mechanical systems.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage engine validation and structural dynamics testing activities.
• Develop instrumentation plans including strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, torque measurement devices, and other data acquisition equipment.
• Create gauge maps and determine instrumentation requirements based on test objectives.
• Conduct vibration, modal, torsional, and durability testing of engine components and systems.
• Utilize data acquisition systems and validation tools to collect, process, and evaluate test data.
• Analyze test results and communicate technical conclusions to engineering stakeholders.
• Collaborate with design and simulation engineers to validate analytical models and support product development efforts.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of field and laboratory issues.
• Prepare technical reports documenting test procedures, results, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Manage multiple validation projects while maintaining schedules and priorities.
• Coordinate with laboratory personnel, technicians, and external test facilities as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to validation processes, methods, and tools.

Skills

Instrumentation

Data acquisition

Analytical skills

Project management

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

eDAQ

LMS

cDAQ

Job description

Mechanical Validation Engineer

This position will focus on planning, coordinating, executing, and analyzing vibration and structural dynamics testing on engines and related systems. The successful candidate will work closely with design, simulation, instrumentation, and validation teams to ensure product quality, reliability, and successful implementation of new and existing product improvements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage engine validation and structural dynamics testing activities.
• Develop instrumentation plans including strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, torque measurement devices, and other data acquisition equipment.
• Create gauge maps and determine instrumentation requirements based on test objectives.
• Conduct vibration, modal, torsional, and durability testing of engine components and systems.
• Utilize data acquisition systems and validation tools to collect, process, and evaluate test data.
• Analyze test results and communicate technical conclusions to engineering stakeholders.
• Collaborate with design and simulation engineers to validate analytical models and support product development efforts.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of field and laboratory issues.
• Prepare technical reports documenting test procedures, results, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Manage multiple validation projects while maintaining schedules and priorities.
• Coordinate with laboratory personnel, technicians, and external test facilities as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to validation processes, methods, and tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Two or more years of relevant engineering or testing experience; candidates with a master’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience may also be considered.
• Understanding of engine systems, rotating machinery, or mechanical systems.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vibration analysis, structural dynamics, modal testing, or NVH.
• Familiarity with strain gauge installation, accelerometers, thermocouples, and torque measurements.
• Experience using data acquisition systems such as eDAQ, LMS, cDAQ, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of signal processing and post-test data analysis.
• Understanding of FEA or simulation-based validation methods.
• Experience supporting engine, powertrain, or rotating equipment development programs.
• Prior laboratory, test cell, or field validation experience.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 – 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.