Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulic Systems

RFA Engineering ( ) 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.

Full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

• Develop dynamic models of hydraulic systems and components to support system design, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting
• Use modeling and simulation tools to analyze system behavior under varying operating conditions
• Collaborate with mechanical, controls, and test engineers to align models with physical system performance
• Support design trade studies, requirement development, and concept evaluations using simulation results
• Correlate simulation results with test data and update models to improve accuracy and predictability
• Document modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results in a clear and concise manner
• Support continuous improvement of modeling processes, tools, and best practices
• Understand the dynamic interactions of hydraulic systems, linkages, rigid bodies, engines, drive trains, and control systems
• Support the development of robust control strategies for product innovation and differentiation

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Experience with hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, actuators, and fluid power circuits
• Strong understanding of dynamic system behavior, including transient response and system interactions
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills

• Experience with simulation and modeling tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with system‑level modeling of multi‑domain systems (hydraulic, mechanical, and controls)
• Experience supporting product development in off‑highway, automotive, industrial, or mobile equipment applications
• Hands‑on mindset with the ability to bridge analytical work and real‑world system behavior
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working in a collaborative engineering environment

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$120,000 – Commensurate with experience

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.

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Tela Doc 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
• 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.