Senior Design Engineer

Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Wauwatosa (WI); On-site; USD 93,400 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Onsite fitness centers

Employee stores

Product and accessory discounts

Job summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Wauwatosa, WI seeks a Senior Design Engineer to design, develop, and deliver motorcycle components using Harley-Davidson product development methods. You will deliver performance, style, quality, cost, durability, manufacturing, and timing objectives for parts.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling, validation planning (DFMEAs, DVP&Rs), supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Electro‑mechanical engineering.
• Minimum 5 years hands‑on engineering in product development.
• Background in mechanical design, project management, and continuous improvement.
• Deep knowledge of welding, forging, casting, machining, injection molding, rubber molding, chrome plating, and coatings.
• Understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and assembly processes.
• Proficient in bolted joint calculations, analysis, testing, and CAD, GD&T, FEA, PLM, DFM/DFA, and EC‑management.
• Proficient with CAD tools (Pro‑E or Creo).
• Proven problem solving in a team environment.
• Experience leading diverse global teams to meet tech, quality, and timing goals.
• Experience with chassis, body, or vehicle design/integration in motorcycle/powersports/automotive.
• Ability to develop and execute test plans to verify requirements.
• Experience with suppliers and PPAP.
• Motorcycle riding experience or strong interest.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and deliver motorcycle components from concept through production.
• Define and manage component requirements aligned with performance and project objectives.
• Create and release CAD models, drawings, and documentation.
• Plan and execute validation activities including DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to resolve issues.
• Support sourcing, supplier development, and production readiness.
• Communicate technical status and risks clearly to stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement via knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Mentor and support less experienced engineers.

Skills

CAD Pro-E/Creo

GD&T

FEA

PLM systems

DFM/DFMA

DVP/PPAP

Bolted joint calculations

Engineering change management

Manufacturing processes

Team leadership

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electro‑mechanical engineering

Tools

Pro-E/Creo

Job description

Join our team as a Senior Design Engineer at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI.

Job Summary

Design engineers are responsible for the design, development, and delivery of motorcycle components and systems using robust engineering practices and Harley-Davidson product development methodology. Engineers are expected to deliver performance, style, quality, cost, durability, manufacturing, and timing objectives for their parts.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and deliver motorcycle components and systems from concept through production, applying sound engineering fundamentals, analysis, and testing.
• Define and manage component or system requirements and ensure alignment with vehicle performance and project objectives.
• Create and release CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Plan and execute validation activities including DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, testing, and resolution of technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to resolve complex technical, manufacturing, quality, and business problems.
• Support sourcing, supplier development, and production readiness activities.
• Communicate technical status and risks clearly to stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, guideline development, and best practices.
• Mentor and support less experienced engineers as appropriate to role.

Education Requirements

• Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical or Electro‑mechanical engineering.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on engineering professional experience in product development.
• Well‑rounded engineering background in mechanical design, project management, and continuous improvement.
• Deep technical knowledge in manufacturing processes including welding, forging, casting, machining, injection molding, rubber molding, chrome plating, and coatings.
• Understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and assembly processes.
• Proficient in bolted joint calculations, analysis, testing, and design tools/processes including CAD, GD&T, conventional engineering calculations, FEA, PLM systems, DFM/DFA methodologies, and engineering change management.
• Proficient with CAD tools (Pro‑E or Creo).
• Proven success in solving challenging technical problems with innovative solutions in a team environment.
• Demonstrated success leading diverse global teams to achieve technical, quality, and timing commitments.
• Experience with chassis, body, or vehicle design and integration in motorcycle, powersports, automotive, transportation, or agriculture industries.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute test plans to verify project requirements.
• Experience working with suppliers and production launch activities including PPAP.
• Motorcycle riding experience or strong interest is appreciated.

Preferred Experience

Suspension & Foot Controls

• Systems/Components: suspension, forks, shocks, foot controls, footpegs, footboards.
• Engineering Skills: supplier‑led designs, PRD development, motorcycle/vehicle performance, rider/customer requirements, rider ergonomics, ride comfort, structural durability, aluminum castings, forging design, Pro‑E proficiency.

Bodywork

• Systems/Components: bodywork, side covers, skid plates, seat cowl, covers, luggage, fairing.
• Engineering Skills: A‑surface modeling, plastic part design, injection molding, cosmetic plastic part development, B‑side feature design, Pro‑E proficiency.

Steering, Seats, Windshields

• Systems/Components: seats, triple clamps, fork lock, steering stem, windshields.
• Engineering Skills: customer requirement definition, seat comfort, complexity/variant management, supplier‑led designs, PRD development, rider ergonomics, Pro‑E proficiency.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range represents the national average for this role; pay may vary by location and experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full‑time salaried employees including annual bonus programs, health insurance, a 401(k) program, onsite fitness centers, employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: No | Travel Required: 0–10% | Pay Range: $93,400 – $145,000.

Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for visa sponsorship or transfer. Relocation: Eligible for domestic relocation assistance within the posted country.