Research & Development Technician

EFCO Formwork Solutions•Des Moines, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Purpose The Research & Development Technician role supports EFCO’s engineering and product development efforts through the setup, execution, and documentation of structural and functional testing for fabricated steel and aluminum products. This role focuses on load testing, prototype development, test fixture design, data collection, and preliminary reporting to validate product performance, safety, and engineering capacities. The R&D Technician works in close coordination with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Distribution to ensure accurate, repeatable, and safe test execution throughout the product development lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Prototype and Test Part Drafting (30%) Develop and maintain 3D models and detailed drawings of test setups, fixtures, test parts, and product prototypes using Autodesk Inventor. Draft prototype components and assemblies to support engineering development, testing, and iteration. Collaborate closely with engineers to ensure designs accurately reflect intended load paths, boundary conditions, and functional requirements. Revise and update drawings based on test feedback, engineering changes, and lessons learned while maintaining EFCO drafting standards, documentation practices, and version control. Test Setup and Execution (30%) Set up and perform structural load tests on fabricated steel and aluminum components, assemblies, and prototypes in coordination with engineering teams. Collaborate with engineers to review test plans, load cases, acceptance criteria, and safety considerations prior to testing. Install and assemble test fixtures, load application systems, and instrumentation to accurately simulate real-world loading conditions. Operate hydraulic rams, load frames, and other testing equipment while monitoring test progression and stopping tests safely at predefined limits. Apply sound judgment and technical skills to ensure tests are executed safely, accurately, and in accordance with engineering intent. Functional and Performance Testing (10%) Conduct functional and performance testing to verify product operation, stiffness, deflection limits, and structural integrity. Work with engineers to confirm functional requirements and test objectives. Observe and document product behavior under load, including yielding, deformation, or failure modes as applicable, and communicate findings clearly to engineering stakeholders. Test Summaries and Preliminary Reporting (20%) Collect, organize, and review test data including load, displacement, strain, and deflection measurements. Prepare clear and accurate test summaries and preliminary test reports that support engineering analysis and design decisions. Document test setups, procedures, observations, and results using charts, photos, and written descriptions. Demonstrate strong written communication, organization, and attention to detail to ensure test results are traceable, repeatable, and technically sound. Coordination, Test Area, and Equipment Support (10%) Coordinate with Engineering, Distribution, and Manufacturing teams to schedule testing, prototype builds, material movement, and fabrication support. Maintain test areas, fixtures, tools, and equipment in a safe, organized, and operational condition. Assist with equipment inspection, basic maintenance, calibration activities, and continuous improvement of test processes. Demonstrate responsibility and collaboration to support efficient, safe, and reliable testing operations. Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering technology, drafting, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Experience in steel or aluminum fabrication/assembly, structural testing, prototyping, or manufacturing environments preferred.
Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test plans.
Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience with tools, fixtures, and load-testing equipment.
Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
Ability to work safely in a heavy manufacturing and test-lab environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain 3D models and detailed drawings of test setups, fixtures, test parts, and product prototypes using Autodesk Inventor.
Draft prototype components and assemblies to support engineering development, testing, and iteration.
Collaborate closely with engineers to ensure designs accurately reflect intended load paths, boundary conditions, and functional requirements.
Revise and update drawings based on test feedback, engineering changes, and lessons learned while maintaining EFCO drafting standards, documentation practices, and version control.
Set up and perform structural load tests on fabricated steel and aluminum components, assemblies, and prototypes in coordination with engineering teams.
Collaborate with engineers to review test plans, load cases, acceptance criteria, and safety considerations prior to testing.
Install and assemble test fixtures, load application systems, and instrumentation to accurately simulate real-world loading conditions.
Operate hydraulic rams, load frames, and other testing equipment while monitoring test progression and stopping tests safely at predefined limits.
Apply sound judgment and technical skills to ensure tests are executed safely, accurately, and in accordance with engineering intent.
Conduct functional and performance testing to verify product operation, stiffness, deflection limits, and structural integrity.
Work with engineers to confirm functional requirements and test objectives.
Observe and document product behavior under load, including yielding, deformation, or failure modes as applicable, and communicate findings clearly to engineering stakeholders.
Collect, organize, and review test data including load, displacement, strain, and deflection measurements.
Prepare clear and accurate test summaries and preliminary test reports that support engineering analysis and design decisions.
Document test setups, procedures, observations, and results using charts, photos, and written descriptions.
Demonstrate strong written communication, organization, and attention to detail to ensure test results are traceable, repeatable, and technically sound.
Coordinate with Engineering, Distribution, and Manufacturing teams to schedule testing, prototype builds, material movement, and fabrication support.
Maintain test areas, fixtures, tools, and equipment in a safe, organized, and operational condition.
Assist with equipment inspection, basic maintenance, calibration activities, and continuous improvement of test processes.
Demonstrate responsibility and collaboration to support efficient, safe, and reliable testing operations.