Mechanical Test Engineer - Engine and Cooling Systems

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. 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 world-class 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.

Mechanical Test Engineer - Engine and Cooling Systems

This position is responsible for planning and executing tests to evaluate engine performance and thermal management systems. This role supports product development by generating high-quality data, analyzing results, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet performance, durability, and reliability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for engine and cooling system validation.

• Set up and support test equipment, including instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

• Conduct performance, durability, and thermal testing on engines and cooling components such as radiators, heat exchangers, pumps, and fans.

• Analyze and interpret test data to assess system performance and identify issues.

• Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis for failures.

• Collaborate with design and simulation teams to provide feedback and improve system performance.

• Support validation of cooling strategies across various operating conditions and duty cycles.

• Document test procedures, results, and conclusions in clear technical reports.

• Ensure testing is conducted in accordance with safety standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
• Proficient in 3D Modeling software (Creo Preferred)
• Excellent communication both written and verbal

• Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid systems.

• Experience with test instrumentation and data collection methods.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Experience with engines, cooling systems, or thermal management.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar.

• Hands-on experience in a lab or test environment.

• Exposure to simulation or modeling tools is a plus.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60,000-$75,000 – 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

Salary : $60,000 - $75,000