Sr. Systems Engineer, Racing

Job Summary

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company first established a Factory Racing Department in 1914. Over 110yrs later racing remains a core pillar of our brand. It is here that we research and develop the latest innovations and technologies to continue pushing our company forward. Our Product Development Center (PDC) is home to the mantra – You dream it. We build it. If using racing to push the limits of what is possible inspires you, we would love for you to join our team.

The Sr. Systems Engineer, Racing is responsible to deliver technical and practical engineering solutions to improve vehicle performance. You will be responsible for a variety of engineering related activities in areas such as data analysis, engine calibration, methods and tool development, and race day support. You will work closely with racing crew chiefs to help define vehicle setups, troubleshoot issues, and advance the state of the art in motorcycle racing activities within Harley-Davidson. You will need to look beyond just the immediate project scope and requirements to guarantee that features align with future technology trends and partner with advanced engineering team to prepare roadmaps to enhance current features as well as deliver new features and functions. You will be responsible for managing all on-track data acquisition and refinement at all H-D Factory Racing events.

Purpose of role:

• Develop, implement, and continuously optimize engine control strategies for factory race bikes into aftermarket racing specific ECUs.
• Develop deep understanding of all aspects of existing engine control module strategies in both OEM and aftermarket systems. 
• Define and create data analysis and related engineering efficiency tools to speed up development and on and off-track decision making.
• Manage and optimize on-track performance real-time at the racetrack.
• Support the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing efforts at race and test events.

Job Responsibilities

Specific deliverables include:

• Data Analysis
  • Full vehicle data evaluation including engine and chassis performance
  • Race event data analysis and decision making
  • Definition, management, and maintenance of data acquisition equipment and strategies
• ECM Calibration
  • Engine calibration / performance development
  • Traction management / Torque delivery refinement / Quick shifter / Engine braking
• Analysis and Productivity Tool Development
  • Automation and efficiency improvements of data analysis software and routines
  • Data management tools and process development
• Race Day Support
  • Data analysis and real time recommendations and/or troubleshooting for improved vehicle performance and robustness
  • Engine calibration updates and refinements
  • Hands on support as needed for general team activities (equipment setup, vehicle support, tire support, etc.)
• Transition factory race bikes from OEM control systems to series specified ECUs.
• Develop, source, and validate supporting vehicle and system harnesses.
• Develop next-generation engine control strategies with input from key stakeholders, product benchmarking, and racing industry standards.
• Advise cross-functional team on hardware development opportunities that further enhance capabilities of control strategies.
• Decompose vehicle-level requirements and use-cases into electrical system, component, and control strategy requirements.
• Develop and execute verification plans to ensure features are effective and robust upon implementation.
• Support on-track data collection and refinement at both test and race events to ensure optimal vehicle performance and to win.
• Utilize experience of four stroke engine control approaches as well as awareness of future engine technologies and trends, to inform a strategy roadmap for both racing and OE product development.

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field with equivalent experience.

Experience Requirements

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering and/or powersport controls experience.  In addition, they will have demonstrated the following:

• Experience tuning engines with aftermarket racing ECUs such as MaxxECU, Marelli, Mectronik, MoTeC, etc.
• Proven ability to implement and refine advanced engine/chassis control strategies such as Fueling, Ignition Timing, Throttle Position, Gear Position, Engine Braking, Knock Control, Rev Limiting, Quickshift, Launch Control, Traction Control, Torque/Power Limiting, etc.
• Technical programming languages for data analysis such as Matlab or Python
• Knowledge of whole-vehicle systems with appreciation for how that influences engine control approach, design & integration.
• Creative approach to solving problems and able to own issue resolution from data collection, data analysis, root cause identification, solution set generation, and selection of optimal solution. 
• Success coordinating teams of internal stakeholders and suppliers to meet aggressive quality and performance objectives.
• Ability to lead, influence, and mentor cross-functional team members without direct authority.
• Ability to communicate technical subjects in a clear, concise manner in high pressure, dynamic environments such as under the team tent and at the pit wall.
• Ability to work with diverse global teams both internally and externally (suppliers), and both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally as required, to support all official Factory Racing events.
• Willingness to step outside of immediate job responsibilities whilst supporting a cohesive team.

Preferred Experience:

• Superbike or other race support experience as a Data Engineer in a high-level racing series such as AMA Superbike, NASCAR, IndyCar, etc.
• Experience designing, sourcing, and building vehicle harnesses to meet racing/mil-spec level requirements.
• Knowledge of engine dynamics (ideally V-twin engine dynamics).
• Experience testing engines on engine and/or chassis a dynamometer.
• Vehicle dynamics theory and practice
• Vehicle development / on track testing development
• High-performance motorcycle riding techniques.
• Motorcycle racing crew chief experience.
• Familiarity with working directly riders/racers and distilling feedback into actionable changes.