Plans, sets up, executes, and evaluates mechanical tests for hydraulic components and systems. Develops test plans, configures instrumentation, operates laboratory equipment, analyzes test data, investigates failures, performs root cause analysis, and prepares technical reports and recommendations. Coordinates multiple testing activities and supports improvements to laboratory methods and data analysis practices.
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.
Mechanical Test Engineer- Hydraulics
Hydraulic Test Engineer will plan, set up, execute, and evaluate mechanical tests involving hydraulic components and systems. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with engineering analysis to determine system performance, investigate failures, and communicate clear technical conclusions. The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly with test hardware while also organizing and interpreting test data to support engineering decisions.
Responsibilities
- Lead hydraulic component and system testing projects from initial planning through final conclusions and reporting.
- Develop test plans, define instrumentation and data collection needs, and coordinate laboratory resources.
- Perform hands-on setup of hydraulic components, test fixtures, hoses, sensors, and associated mechanical or electrical hardware.
- Operate test equipment safely while maintaining a strong focus on quality, throughput, and accurate documentation.
- Collect, organize, process, and analyze test data to evaluate performance and identify trends or anomalies.
- Compare test results with engineering requirements, expected behavior, and available analytical or simulation results.
- Conduct failure and root cause analysis on components or systems that do not meet performance expectations.
- Document test configurations, procedures, observations, results, and engineering conclusions in clear technical reports.
- Present findings and recommendations to engineers, laboratory leadership, shop personnel, and internal clients.
- Coordinate multiple test activities, schedules, priorities, and follow-up actions with minimal supervision.
- Support continuous improvement of laboratory methods, testing processes, and data analysis practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Two or more years of relevant engineering or testing experience; candidates with a master’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience may also be considered.
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude and experience working with test hardware, components, tools, or laboratory equipment.
- Experience planning and executing mechanical component or system tests.
- Ability to analyze engineering test data and translate results into defensible conclusions and recommendations.
- Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and performing failure or root cause analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience testing hydraulic components, fluid power systems, or hydraulic subsystems.
- Knowledge of hydraulic system behavior, pressure, flow, temperature, leakage, efficiency, and component performance.
- Experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, sensors, and signal review.
- Experience using analytical methods, statistical techniques, MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar tools to process and visualize test data.
- Familiarity with simulation, modeling, or correlation of analytical results to physical test results.
- Experience with test fixture design, mechanical design, or CAD tools.
Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 – 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
- Health Savings Account
- TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
- Vision Insurance
- Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
- Company Paid Long-Term Disability
- Supplemental Short-Term Disability
- Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
- Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
- Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Bereavement Leave
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Education Assistance
Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Qualifications Education Preferred Bachelors of Science or better. Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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