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

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