Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com (https://www.rfamec.com)) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented 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 be onsite at our client's Pontiac, IL facility working with their fuel injector systems.

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 - Product Development

Support new product development initiatives within a mechanical engineering and product validation environment. This role will focus on product design, development, testing, problem-solving, and engineering analysis activities related to complex mechanical systems and components.

Responsibilities

• Support new product development (NPI) activities from concept through production release.
• Create and update 3D models and engineering drawings using Creo or similar CAD software.
• Participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), validation planning, and product development reviews.
• Coordinate engineering analyses including tolerance stack-ups, sealing calculations, and bolted joint analyses.
• Work with suppliers to support component development and issue resolution.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct component measurements, assembly activities, and validation testing.
• Investigate product failures and performance concerns using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Disassemble and inspect components following testing to evaluate performance and identify root causes.
• Compare pre-test and post-test measurements and document engineering findings.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and supplier teams to drive product improvements.
• Maintain and update engineering documentation and release packages.
• Present technical findings and project updates to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 2 plus years of demonstrated product development experience.
• Experience with mechanical design, product development, and engineering problem-solving.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation. (Creo preferred)
• Experience analyzing product or component failures and performing root cause analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, drawings, and test results.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with engineering, manufacturing, and validation teams.
• Ability to support prototype, pilot, and production builds in a hands-on environment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting Design FMEA activities.
• Experience with validation planning and reporting (DVP&R).
• Familiarity with product testing, measurement techniques, and laboratory environments.
• Comfortable using hand tools, microscopes, and precision measurement equipment.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems such as Teamcenter.
• Experience with Creo or similar CAD platforms.

Pay Range: commensurate with experience - $65,000-$90,000

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

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 Eden Prairie, MN, 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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.