Electric Machine Test & Validation Engineer

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) develops embedded software and electronics for our world-class clients in the areas of precision agriculture and vehicle electrification. We are seeking an experienced 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 engineering and manufacturing facility.

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.

Electric Machine Test & Validation Engineer

The Electric Machine Test & Validation Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and reporting verification and validation activities for electric machines used in off-highway and industrial applications. This role works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure electric machine designs meet safety, performance, quality, reliability, regulatory, and cost requirements through structured laboratory testing, field validation, and teardown analysis.

Job Description

• Develop, execute, and manage testing, verification, and validation plans and activities for electric machines using internal engineering tools and processes

• Create and track test activities, work requests, schedules, and program summaries related to verification and validation efforts

• Report test status, risks, results, and completion metrics to engineering teams and leadership

• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, test, manufacturing, suppliers, and external partners to define and deliver test and validation strategies

• Perform laboratory testing, field testing, and electric machine teardowns to verify designs meet application requirements

• Ensure electric machine designs meet safety, performance, quality, reliability, and cost targets

• Interpret and apply relevant standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements related to electric machines and testing activities

• Deliver small to medium-scale projects while operating within established program management frameworks

• Create, maintain, and back up complex technical documentation, test plans, procedures, and reports to a high standard

• Continuously develop technical capabilities through training, coaching, and industry research

• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, regulations, and industry best practices related to electric machines and validation testing

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

• Minimum 2 years of experience developing and executing test plans, verification activities, work requests, schedules, and engineering summaries

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with rotating components or electric machine design, testing, or implementation

• Knowledge of data acquisition systems and instrumentation such as accelerometers, thermistors, current transducers, and vector network analyzers

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with test scheduling, prioritization, and execution

• Ability to travel up to 20%, primarily local

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of related electric drive components including inverters, connectors, and energy storage systems

• Understanding of AI and data-driven methods applied to testing, verification, and validation activities

• Strong analytical knowledge of electric machine design, including electromagnetics, continuous and peak load evaluation, bearings, insulation systems, cooling methods, and manufacturability

• Experience with accelerated and durability test methods

• Ability to work independently and provide technical guidance on testing, evaluation, and improvement of engineering outcomes

• Ability to track, measure, and communicate progress toward intermediate milestones to ensure projects remain on schedule

• Experience managing projects with minimal supervision while meeting cost, schedule, and quality objectives

• Proven experience collaborating across engineering and functional teams to achieve shared goals

• Experience using Windchill and Creo

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