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 worldwide 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

• 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 objectives

Preferred Knowledge

• 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