RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking entry-level to experienced candidates to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidates 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 located in Chattanooga, TN.
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.
Lead Mechanical Engineer
The Lead Mechanical Engineer provides technical and project leadership for the development and improvement of forestry equipment products. This role supports the expansion of product solutions and plays a key role in delivering high-quality, cost-effective products aligned with business and growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead mechanical engineering activities across the full product development lifecycle, from concept through production and ongoing support.
Plan and oversee engineering projects to ensure quality, cost, and schedule targets are met.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams, supporting design decisions and problem resolution.
Review and approve designs using standard engineering best practices such as design reviews, FMEA, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, testing, supply chain, and service.
Work closely with suppliers and development partners to support component and system integration.
Develop and review CAD models, drawings, assemblies, BOMs, and technical documentation.
Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and product designs.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
15+ years of experience in mobile equipment product development; forestry equipment experience preferred.
Strong leadership experience managing complex engineering projects and mentoring engineers.
Broad technical knowledge of mobile equipment systems, including structures, hydraulics, powertrain, and electrical systems.
Proficiency with CAD tools, engineering analysis methods, and enterprise systems.
Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and product compliance considerations.
Desired Skills and Attributes
Experience in forestry, construction, mining, or other heavy equipment industries.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and global teams.
Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Pay Range: $90,000-$140,000 – Commensurate with experience
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
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.
Qualifications Education Preferred Bachelors of Science or better. Equal Opportunity EmployerThis 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.
Top Skills
What We Do
RFA serves 100's of clients ranging in size from Fortune 500 to entrepreneurial start-ups. We deliver engineering services from our Engineering Center in Eden Prairie, MN and at our client’s own facilities.
Regardless of the manner which we deliver services, our goal is to please our clients, through consistent value of services which are aligned to the standards of our clients. We strive to work as a transparent extension of our client’s own engineering staff. We work in all areas of mechanical, software and electrical design, including off-highway mobile equipment and mechanical power transmission, consumer, recreational, industrial, medical products and one-of-a-kind special manufacturing machines.
To see a complete listing of our open positions, please go to
http://www.rfamec.com/careers/career-opportunities.html
