Mechanical Controls Engineer

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 entry level to 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 Controls Engineer

As a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine systems that improve performance, productivity, efficiency, and operator experience. This role combines mechanical engineering principles with machine controls, allowing engineers to work directly with hydraulic systems, powertrains, vehicle dynamics, and off-highway equipment. You will participate in machine development activities from concept through production, using modeling, simulation, testing, and data analysis to create innovative solutions for advanced machine systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate control strategies for electro-hydraulic systems, powertrain systems, drivetrain systems, and machine implements.
• Evaluate machine performance through testing, analysis, and system optimization.
• Create and maintain mechanical and controls models using MATLAB, Simulink, and related engineering tools.
• Conduct machine testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance tuning on prototype and production equipment.
• Analyze hydraulic, powertrain, and machine operational data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, reliability, and durability.
• Support development of machine architecture, system requirements, and performance specifications.
• Work closely with mechanical design, software, and test engineers to integrate and validate machine systems.
• Investigate and resolve machine performance issues through root cause analysis and engineering problem-solving techniques.
• Translate customer, operator, and field feedback into measurable product improvements.
• Support product development efforts from concept, prototyping, and validation through production launch.
• Create engineering documentation, test reports, validation plans, and system performance summaries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
• Understanding of machine systems including hydraulics, powertrains, drivetrains, thermodynamics, or vehicle dynamics.
• Experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or professional engineering roles involving mechanical systems, testing, or product development.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, modeling, and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, Amesim, or similar platforms.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting engineering test data.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desired Attributes

• Experience developing or validating mobile equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, automotive systems, or other off-highway machinery.
• Knowledge of hydraulic system design, performance analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, transmission systems, or machine implement controls.
• Experience conducting laboratory, field, or vehicle testing.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, sensors, and machine diagnostics.
• Exposure to control systems development, machine automation, or robotics.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, Amesim, CANalyzer, CANape, or similar engineering tools.
• Hands-on experience operating, testing, or evaluating heavy equipment and machinery.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 - 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