Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

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 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.
• 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.

Desired Skills and Experience

• 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.

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