Staff Engineer Test

Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Wauwatosa (WI); On-site; USD 119,300 - 184,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k plan

Onsite fitness center

Employee discounts

Job summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Wisconsin seeks a Staff Engineer Test to lead dynamometer-based testing for product development and regulatory objectives. You will plan, execute, and refine test activities, analyze data, and communicate actionable results to engineering teams and leadership.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to improve testing effectiveness and product quality.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in product development, testing, or lab operations.
• Expertise in dynamometer-based testing and laboratory execution.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, transducers, and data acquisition.
• Ability to develop and implement robust test methods.
• Strong technical communication and mentoring skills.
• Experience leading technical projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, execution and refinement of PT test activities for product development and regulatory objectives.
• Solve complex technical challenges related to test criteria, instrumentation, and data quality.
• Analyze and communicate test results with clear recommendations to engineering leadership.
• Apply advanced knowledge of sensors, measurement systems, calibration, and data acquisition.
• Develop new test methods for emerging technologies and new product requirements.
• Lead correlation efforts between lab, track, and road tests to improve effectiveness.

Skills

Dynamometer testing

Test lab equipment control systems

Data analysis

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Instrumentation & sensors

Data acquisition systems

Test instruments

Job description

Overview

In 1903, out of a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four young men lit a cultural wildfire that would grow and spread across geographies and generations. Their innovation and imagination for what was possible on two wheels sparked a transportation revolution that would make Harley-Davidson the most recognizable motorcycle brand in the world. Today, we continue to define motorcycle culture, evoking soul-stirring emotion reflected in every product and experience we deliver - like we have for well over a century and will for generations to come. Are you ready to ride with us? The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra - You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a Staff Engineer Test.

Job Summary

Demonstrates specialized depth and / or breadth of expertise in training and mentoring team members in the use of test lab equipment control systems in support of product and systems engineering, advanced innovation, long term technology development and quality initiatives within Product Development Engineering. Impacts the achievement of various regulatory testing that enables Harley-Davidson Motor Company to support the world-wide availability of its products.

Job Responsibilities

• Test Development & Execution: Lead the planning, development, execution, and refinement of PT test activities to support product development, validation, quality, and regulatory objectives.
• Technical Problem Solving: Resolve complex technical challenges involving test criteria, test standards, instrumentation, data quality, test methodologies, and interpretation of results.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze, compile, interpret, and communicate test results to engineering teams and leadership, providing clear technical recommendations and actionable conclusions.
• Instrumentation & Measurement Systems: Apply advanced knowledge of sensors, transducers, measurement systems, calibration methods, data acquisition, and test equipment limitations to ensure high-quality and reliable test data.
• Test Method Development: Develop new test methods to evaluate emerging technologies, new failure modes, and evolving product requirements.
• Correlation Activities: Lead and support correlation efforts between laboratory, track, and road test results to improve confidence in simulation and laboratory test methods while reducing overall product development time.
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead or support structured root cause investigations using appropriate problem-solving methodologies to identify failure mechanisms and drive effective corrective actions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in test processes, laboratory operations, test efficiency, data quality, and overall product development effectiveness through the application of continuous improvement principles.
• Laboratory Excellence: Maintain and promote adherence to 5S principles, laboratory standards, safety requirements, equipment care, and continuous improvement practices throughout the Dyno Lab.
• Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to engineers, technicians, and test personnel in dynamometer testing, instrumentation, data analysis, and laboratory best practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering teams, suppliers, and test personnel to ensure testing activities support program objectives, technical requirements, timing commitments, and product performance goals.
• Communication & Influence: Communicate complex technical concepts, statistical findings, test results, risks, and recommendations effectively to stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required

Education Specifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical field

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, product testing, laboratory operations, or a similar engineering role
• Demonstrated expertise in dynamometer-based testing and laboratory test execution
• Strong understanding of instrumentation, sensors, transducers, calibration practices, and data acquisition systems
• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems through structured analysis and sound engineering judgment
• Demonstrated capability to develop, improve, and implement test methods and procedures
• Strong technical communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills
• Proven leadership of technical projects, initiatives, or cross-functional teams to achieve performance, timing, quality, and cost objective

Preferred

• Knowledge of automotive and motorcycle CAN-based systems
• Familiarity with AVL and Enorise (FEV) test automation systems
• Knowledge of engine combustion measurement and analysis
• Strong aptitude for statistical analysis and interpretation of engineering data
• Ability to correlate laboratory, track, and road test results to improve testing effectiveness and development efficiency
• Motorcycle product development background
• Application of Continuous Improvement, 5S, and structured root cause analysis methodologies
• Direct engagement with suppliers and external testing organizations to achieve technical objectives and deliverables

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.

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

Direct Reports: No
Travel Required: 0 - 10%
Pay Range: $119,300 - $184,800
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)