Mechanical Controls Engineer

RFA Engineering•Dubuque, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

RFA Engineering is seeking an entry-level to experienced Mechanical Controls Engineer to join their engineering team. The selected candidate will work with experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools and 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 that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within RFA Engineering. 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.

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.