Mechanical Test & Development Engineer

Cintal, Inc. • Chillicothe, IL

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mechanical Test & Development Engineer supports drivetrain component testing and validation, including inspection, data collection, analysis, and reporting engineering conclusions and recommendations. The role performs pre-test and post-test evaluations to identify performance issues and failure modes, and supports root-cause investigations and failure analysis.

The engineer develops, executes, and maintains test plans, methods, procedures, and documentation; assists with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination; and installs, verifies, and troubleshoots instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and test setups. The role collaborates with design, development, and analysis teams on product validation and continuous improvement, and prepares technical reports, test summaries, and presentations for internal and external customers.

The position supports laboratory safety and ISO 17025 quality requirements. Work is approximately 50% office-based and 50% in the laboratory or shop floor. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is available for eligible and qualified individuals. Cintal is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and global team and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to protected characteristics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development, testing, or validation.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and machine design.
• Understanding of drivetrain systems, transmissions, axles, gears, bearings, and related mechanical components.
• Experience with mechanical testing, validation, inspection, and failure analysis methodologies.
• Ability to use test equipment, sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting test data and technical reports.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices and engineering testing procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, technical documentation, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with drivetrain systems, automotive components, or laboratory testing.
• Internship, co-op, or project experience in automotive, manufacturing, or product testing environments.
• Working knowledge of CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar.
• Experience with drivetrain, transmission, axle, or powertrain component testing and validation.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing environments, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of failure analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective action methodologies.
• Understanding of automotive industry standards and engineering best practices.
• Exposure to ISO 17025 laboratory processes and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication with cross-functional teams.
• Previous internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in automotive product development or testing.

Responsibilities

• Support drivetrain component testing, validation, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Perform pre-test and post-test inspections to assess component performance and identify failure modes.
• Develop, execute, and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Install, verify, and troubleshoot instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and test setups.
• Analyze test data and provide engineering conclusions, recommendations, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with design, development, and analysis teams to support product validation.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and ISO 17025 quality requirements.
• Support root-cause investigations and failure analysis of drivetrain components.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for test methods, processes, and equipment.
• Prepare test summaries and presentations for internal and external customers.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Two weeks of paid time off per year, prorated in the first year based on start date.
• Access to company medical insurance, including dental and vision.
• Eligibility for life insurance and disability coverage for short- or long-term disabilities or long-term care needs.
• 401(k) eligibility with an annual employer contribution.
• Relocation expense reimbursement up to a certain amount on a case-by-case basis.
• Yearly bonus based on company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level