Title: Research and Development Engineer
Location: Chillicothe, IL
Details: 12-month contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, fully onsite role
Pay Rate: $40.00 – 43.00/hr. with benefit inclusions
Job Summary
The Drivetrain Validation Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing component and system-level validation activities for drivetrain and powertrain products. This role transforms complex test data into engineering insights that support product development, influence design decisions, and identify potential risks. Working closely with design, controls, laboratory, and cross-functional engineering teams, the engineer will help improve product performance, durability, reliability, quality, and delivery throughout new product development and continuous improvement programs.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with design, controls, manufacturing, and cross-functional engineering teams to define validation requirements and support critical design decisions.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute drivetrain component and system validation testing activities.
- Prepare test units, instrumentation, test setups, and data acquisition systems to support validation objectives.
- Analyze complex test data, compare results against requirements, and identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Apply system-level engineering principles to evaluate component interactions, functionality, and tradeoffs.
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues encountered during testing and validation activities.
- Perform inspections, failure analysis, and structured root cause investigations to identify and resolve product issues.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and continuous product improvement (CPI) programs through validation, testing, and issue resolution activities.
- Document test plans, procedures, results, findings, and recommendations in detailed technical reports.
- Communicate technical findings and recommendations to engineering teams and project stakeholders.
- Participate in cross-functional reviews to support product quality, reliability, and performance objectives.
- Contribute to program execution by supporting project timelines, deliverables, and engineering milestones.
Years of Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is acceptable; candidates should still possess a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
- 2-4 years of engineering experience in product validation, testing, drivetrain systems, powertrain systems, or related engineering functions.
- Relevant internship experience may be considered toward overall experience requirements.
- Associate degrees are not eligible for this position.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Drivetrain and/or powertrain mechanical systems knowledge
- Product validation and verification testing
- Test planning and execution
- Laboratory and system-level testing
- Test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Complex engineering data analysis and interpretation
- Failure analysis and root cause investigation
- Hardware and software troubleshooting
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Engineering problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Understanding of product development and validation processes
- New Product Introduction (NPI) support
- Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) support
Professional Skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Critical thinking and sound decision-making
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment
- Team-oriented and collaborative mindset
- Initiative and proactive problem-solving capabilities