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. 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 Engineer- Model Configuration As a Model Configuration Engineer, you will be responsible for enabling the efficient design and variation management of equipment platforms. You will work closely with design engineers, product configuration analysts, and product data management (PDM) teams to ensure CAD models, bill of materials (BOMs), and variant logic align with product offerings. Your work will be critical in supporting product development, customization, and manufacturing planning. Responsibilities • Develop and maintain configurable CAD assemblies and models using tools such as Creo, NX, or similar. • Work with platform architects to implement logical configuration structures across multiple machine models. • Collaborate with engineering teams to incorporate modular design practices and variant-based component structures. • Support the development of configuration logic using tools such as Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, or similar PDM/PLM platforms. • Ensure CAD data integrity and proper part number control for configuration-dependent parts and assemblies. • Provide documentation and training to engineering and manufacturing stakeholders on model configuration processes and standards. • Participate in design reviews and cross-functional meetings to understand product requirements and configuration impacts. Responsibilities • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field. • Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (Creo preferred). • Understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) and PDM systems. • Strong analytical and organizational skills; attention to detail. • Ability to interpret and apply product configuration rules and engineering logic. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Desired Skills • Experience with configurable design practices and parametric modeling. • Familiarity with Teamcenter, Windchill, or other configuration management tools. • Background in agriculture, construction, or off-highway equipment design. • Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment. Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Pay Range: $60,000-$90,000 - 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 Equal Opportunity Employer This 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.
See More Details >>RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented 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. Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer This position requires aptitude in support of Dynamic Systems Modeling (DSM) and analysis as it pertains to whole machine configurations. Through the creation, refinement, and execution of system models, this position will provide analytical support to product development and design. Job Description • Provide direct analytical support for one or more product groups. • Develop a growing understanding of product function. • Lead in the development of measurable dynamic performance specifications using simulation and other engineering analysis methods. • Work with design teams to develop virtual simulation models that can be used to verify designs analytically. • Develop dynamic system analysis plans for specific product development programs. • Report results using a standardized reporting system. • Document processes that can be used to continually improve our ability to analytically develop and verify our product designs. • Contribute to Product and Component Technical Specifications, Design Guidelines, and Engineering Analysis Procedures. • Create and maintain vehicle dynamic models using Matlab, Simulink and Simscape programs. Technical Responsibilities • Understand the dynamic interactions of hydraulic systems, linkages, rigid bodies, engines, drivetrains, and control systems. • Support the development of robust control strategies for product innovation and differentiation. • Use Engineering analysis tools to assess complex hydro-electro-mechanical systems. • Maintain models using programming languages and concepts like Object Oriented Programming. • Contribute to the specification/selection of components and subsystems for optimal machine level performance. • Generate objective machine level dynamic performance objectives that capture ambiguous and/or subjective operator and customer feedback. • Support the vision for how analysis tools can change the way Design and PV&V Engineering work is done. • Resolve stability issues that can arise from the above, but that cannot be analyzed using linear theory due to the nonlinear nature of both the primitive elements and the subsystem and machine level interactions. • Generate mathematical models for previously un-modeled phenomena. • Analyze simulation results to distinguish between characteristics of the design and artifacts of the mathematical models. Requirements • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Physics or equivalent degree. • Masters of Science with a related concentration in System Dynamics would be ideal. • Strong interest in vehicle physics and free body diagrams. • Experience with hydraulics, controls, powertrain, and electrical systems beneficial. • Experience with MATLAB, Simscape, Simulink, Simscape Fluids, Simscape Multibody is desirable. • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams. • Experience with operating agriculture equipment or off-highway mobile equipment. • Experience with Matlab, Simulink and Simscape, or other vehicle dynamics simulation software (i.e. Ansys Motion, GT-Suite - GT-3DMBD Vehicle Dynamics) is preferred • Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered. Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Salary Range: $70,000-$100,00/year 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
See More Details >>Job Title: Controls Engineer Location: Moline, IL (100% On-Site) Travel: 25%–30% (Domestic) Drug/Background Checks Required About the Role We are seeking a highly experienced Controls & Automation Engineer to join our team in Moline, IL. This is an on-site role at a dynamic, small- to mid-sized company where engineers take ownership of end-to-end automation projects. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in industrial automation, particularly involving large, hydraulically driven machinery (e.g., presses, heavy equipment). Candidates from large OEMs (e.g., John Deere, Boeing, Honeywell) are typically not successful in this fast-paced, hands-on environment, unless they can clearly demonstrate adaptability and versatility. Key Responsibilities • Design, program (from scratch), modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation systems • Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings • Install, commission, and test PLC-based control systems in heavy industrial settings • Lead on-site installation and startup activities (U.S. travel ~25–30%) • Interface with hydraulic systems and large machinery in automation projects • Apply knowledge of NEC, JIC, and other applicable standards in design and implementation • Work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams to deliver turnkey automation solutions • Maintain clear, concise documentation for all control systems, including ladder logic, HMI configurations, and panel layouts Required Qualifications • 10+ years of hands-on experience in industrial controls and automation • Proven ability to program Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch and modify existing ladder logic • Deep understanding of industrial control system architecture, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, relays, and actuators • Demonstrated experience working with hydraulic presses or large-scale industrial machines • Ability to read and create electrical schematics and panel drawings • Comfortable working in a smaller, agile company environment with broad engineering responsibilities • Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% as needed for installation and commissioning Education Requirements • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or related field • OR Associate’s degree with 20+ years of direct experience in controls and automation • Note: Candidates without a BS/MS must demonstrate hands-on experience with large, hydraulically powered industrial systems Additional Requirements • Must pass drug screening and background check • Must be committed to on-site work in Moline, IL – no hybrid or remote work options • Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team #GRPA Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour Benefits: • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Vision insurance Schedule: • 8 hour shift • Monday to Friday Work Location: In person
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Moline, IA typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending practical experience with theoretical knowledge, allowing individuals to gain skills while earning. Apprenticeships in this field generally span three to four years, involving extensive on-the-job training under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 80,000 mechanical trade professionals nationwide, with a steady demand for skilled workers in Moline, IA. The average weekly wage for apprentices in this region is around $900, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $11,000 annually. Vocational schools, trade unions, and platforms like HireLevel provide pathways to apprenticeships, leading to a lucrative career with strong earning potential.
