Staff Engineer Advanced Manufacturing

Auto req ID: 53143 
Title: Staff Engineer Advanced Manufacturing 
Job Function: Manufacturing 
Location: YORK 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
Full or Part-Time: Full Time 
Shift: SHIFT1 

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It’s our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Vehicle Operations facility in York is our final assembly plant. Employees at York also perform a variety of manufacturing operations, including fabrication, welding, polishing and painting and produce a wide range of current and replacement parts for all models. Join our team as a Staff Engineer Advanced Manufacturing.

Job Summary

The Staff Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing (Assembly) plays a key role in the manufacturing process development and implementation and is responsible for supporting and delivering the Life Cycle Plan from concept to production at our various manufacturing plants. This role provides technical direction and governance for assembly process development and serves as a key influencer across Product Development, Quality, Supply Chain, and Plant Operations. The role requires strong leadership through expertise, decision influence, and cross-functional collaboration.

Job Responsibilities
Assembly Engineering, Tooling & Launch Support

• Lead assembly process development and solve complex problems involving medium to large- scale projects from concept to development, through capital funding planning and approval, and ultimately through successful implementation using analytical thought, exercising judgment, and identifying innovative solutions.
• Influence Design for Assembly (DFA) by engaging early with Product Development and incorporating manufacturing and plant lessons learned. 
• Develop integrated manufacturing systems, standardized processes and templates, and execute risk assessment and mitigation, and after-action reviews.
• Define, design, and implement assembly tooling, fixtures, gauges, and equipment, including capital planning, supplier sourcing, and installation. 
• Perform make/buy analysis to support product and process decisions, including evaluation of in-house vs. supplier assembly and tooling solutions with should cost analysis. 
• Perform supplier technical assessments and implement supplier technical development plans
• Define, validate, and approve torque strategies, fastening methods, and error-proofing concepts. 
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex assembly, tooling, equipment, and quality issues during builds and start of production. 
• Support build events (VB, PB, Pre-Pod), ensuring station readiness, documentation accuracy, and execution.

iPPAP / PPAP, PFMEA & Control Plan Ownership

• Serve as the Advanced Manufacturing lead or core contributor for iPPAP and PPAP readiness for assembly processes. 
• Lead or support development and maintenance of PFMEAs and Control Plans for assembly processes, ensuring alignment with plant execution and quality requirements. 
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of manufacturing deliverables, including process flows, SWS, BOMs, tooling lists, PFMEAs, and Control Plans. 
• Lead validation of tooling capability, fixture readiness, equipment capability, torque tool MSA, and capability studies. 
• Identify and close manufacturing readiness gaps prior to PB, Pre-Pod, and SOP milestones. 
• Support quality audits, launch holds, and post-SOP issues related to new product iPPAP/PPAP compliance and process adherence.

Assembly CoE, Technical Influence & Leadership

• Serve as a technical authority and mentor within Advanced Manufacturing.
• Support and drive Assembly Center of Excellence (CoE) initiatives, including standardization, best practices, and capability development. 
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving across Manufacturing, Quality, Product Development, and Suppliers.
• Mentor and guide engineers by setting expectations for technical rigor, documentation quality, and launch discipline. 
• Represent Advanced Manufacturing in design reviews, launch forums, quality reviews, and executive-level technical discussions. 
• Establish and reinforce assembly engineering standards, governance, and escalation practices.

Project Management & Execution

• Apply project management tools and techniques to manage scope, cost, timing, and risk for assembly and tooling deliverables.
• Develop and manage capital budgets, cost estimates, and spend tracking for tooling, equipment, and assembly solutions.
• Maintain detailed project plans and ensure alignment to NPD milestones and plant readiness targets.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead with Manufacturing principles, including CI, Six Sigma, and 5S.
• Drive structured problem solving using 8D and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ensure production feedback is used to drive ongoing product and process improvements.
• Optional / Value-Add Capabilities
• As program needs require, the Staff Engineer may support digital manufacturing activities such as virtual DFA reviews, ergonomic assessments, or virtual builds. Digital manufacturing experience is a value-add, not a prerequisite.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Education Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).

Experience Requirments

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in manufacturing, assembly engineering, tooling, or launch-related roles.
• Demonstrated leadership in New Product Development, launch support, and cross-functional problem solving.
• Experience supporting make/buy analysis, tooling and equipment implementation, and iPPAP / PPAP processes.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, project management, and decision-making skills 

Harley-Davidson is an equal opportunity employer that continues to build a culture of inclusion, belonging and equity through our commitment to attracting and retaining diverse talent from all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in fairness and providing a level playing field for all. We foster a culture that thrives on diverse perspectives and contributions to ignite the creativity and innovation to fuel our business and enhance the employee and customer experience.

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. We welcome everybody to join our family and be united no matter who you are or where you come from. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.

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

Direct Reports: No  
Travel Required: 10 - 25%  
Pay Range: $119,300 - $184,800 
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer  
Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance