Mechanical Engineering Technician

RFA Engineering (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 operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

Mechanical Engineering Technician

The Mechanical Engineering Technician will work alongside engineers to build and operate test setups, execute environmental and durability testing, evaluate product performance, and document results. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a laboratory environment, building and modifying fixtures, working with instrumentation, and investigating product failures.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and maintain mechanical test fixtures, test stands, and laboratory equipment.
• Set up and conduct environmental, durability, cycle life, pressure, leak, and performance testing.
• Install sensors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, and other instrumentation used for testing.
• Operate environmental chambers, vibration equipment, pressure test systems, and data acquisition equipment.
• Collect, document, and organize test data, photographs, and observations.
• Support root cause investigations on product failures and quality concerns.
• Assist engineers in validating design changes, new products, and manufacturing improvements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, and test sample inventories.
• Fabricate simple fixture modifications using hand tools, shop equipment, and basic machining methods.
• Support certification and agency testing activities when required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 0-5 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, laboratory testing, manufacturing, maintenance, or product validation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems and test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and assembly documentation.
• Experience using measurement and test equipment such as multimeters, calipers, pressure gauges, thermocouples, and data loggers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical durability, environmental, vibration, shock, or life-cycle testing.
• Experience testing refrigeration, HVAC, fluid power, or other electromechanical systems.
• Experience with pressure testing, burst testing, leak testing, or performance validation.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and engineering test equipment.
• Basic machining, fabrication, welding, or fixture-building experience.
• Knowledge of UL, CSA, or other product certification standards.
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and failure investigations.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment with calibrated equipment and controlled processes.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $50,000-$80,000 – 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
• TelaDoc Healthiest You
• Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Short-term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• HSA for Medical Expenses
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly