Dev/Research Engineer 1

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Dev/Research Engineer 1 (Test & Validation Engineer). The work will be done onsite full-time in Mossville, IL. This is a 12-month long-term position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is up to $32.70/hr full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).

Job Summary

Cullerton Group is seeking a Test & Validation Engineer to support advanced seal validation and product development initiatives within a global engineering environment. This role focuses on testing, validating, and analyzing the performance of sealing systems used in heavy equipment applications. The engineer will be responsible for operating test equipment, conducting data analysis, performing inspections, and supporting new product development and product improvement projects. This position offers excellent exposure to research and development, validation of new technologies, and hands-on laboratory testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain seal validation test benches
• Perform component inspections and measurement analysis
• Analyze test data and document results
• Create and present technical reports and recommendations
• Develop and update safe work procedures and lockout/tagout documentation
• Support internal and external validation requests
• Conduct root cause analysis on field-returned components
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and Current Product Improvement (CPI) initiatives
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate and validate sealing solutions
• Assist with research and development of new sealing technologies
• Support quality, material, and design improvement projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 0–2 years of engineering experience
• Internship or co-op experience will be considered
• Strong mechanical aptitude and analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Ability to read engineering prints and understand GD&T principles
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous laboratory testing or validation experience
• Experience with data analysis software
• Experience with instrumentation and data collection systems
• Familiarity with metallic and non-metallic materials
• Experience with Creo or similar CAD software
• Experience supporting product testing, validation, or reliability programs
• Participation in extracurricular activities, engineering clubs, hobbies, or leadership activities

Why This Role?

This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with product testing, validation, data analysis, and technical reporting while contributing to next-generation sealing technologies. You will work alongside experienced engineers and researchers, supporting both new product development and continuous improvement initiatives in a highly collaborative engineering environment.