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Head Engineer Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Director, Motorcycle Design

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$172K - $276K/yr

Engineering Location: PDC Workplace Category: Onsite Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or ... Job Summary This position reports directly to the Head of Design and is responsible for the ...

Director, Motorcycle Design

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$172K - $276K/yr

Engineering Location: PDC Workplace Category: Onsite Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or ... Job Summary This position reports directly to the Head of Design and is responsible for the ...

Lead

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$57.50 - $75.50/hr

The Lead Software Developer (.NET) & Head of the thyssenkrupp IoT U.S. Office is responsible for building and leading the U.S.-based IoT team, serving as the technical lead for customer ...

Identify high-value AI use cases and guide teams on prompt engineering, model selection, and model ... If your head is in the cloud, find out where we can take you with Oracle Enterprise Solutions.

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Head Engineer information

See Racine, WI salary details

$10

$37

$70

How much do head engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for head engineer in Racine, WI is $37.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.80 and $45.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges a head engineer faces when leading cross-functional engineering teams?

One of the primary challenges for a Head Engineer is ensuring effective communication and alignment among diverse teams, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance. Balancing technical leadership with management duties—like resource allocation and project prioritization—can also be demanding. Additionally, the Head Engineer must foster collaboration and innovation while maintaining project timelines and meeting business objectives. Addressing these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, project management experience, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or equivalent). Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools) and compliance with regulatory frameworks is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding Head Engineers apart by enabling them to guide teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure successful project delivery, safety, and the development of efficient engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Head Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHead EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team leadership, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing

The Head Engineer typically oversees engineering projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership skills and experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Head Engineer has a broader managerial scope, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical tasks within their specialty.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Racine, WI are:

Infographic showing various Head Engineer job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,273 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Director, Motorcycle Design

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$172K - $276K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Auto req ID: 55264 
Title: Director, Motorcycle Design 
Job Function: Engineering 
Location: PDC
Workplace Category: Onsite 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
Full or Part-Time: Full Time 
Shift: SHIFT1 

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  Director, Motorcycle Design.

Job Summary
This position reports directly to the Head of Design and is responsible for the evolution and development of the design studio’s strategy, structure, and organization. This position is engaged in providing innovative and industry leading expertise and oversight of the Design Department, within the Corporate Product Development Process.  This role closely collaborates with stakeholders in other functional areas such as Engineering, Supply Management, Manufacturing, Motorcycle Management, Finance, and Strategic Planning in the development and implementation of creative solutions that make business strategies actionable.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provides creative support and project management expertise to the Head of Design, and Product Development Operations that ensures a world class industrial design operation.
  • Supports development of the Design department strategy and its tactical execution
  • Provides strategic guidance and creative direction to Engineering, Supply Base, Manufacturing, Motorcycle Management, and Marketing to ensure Design intent and voice of the customer attributes are robustly executed.
  • Collaborates with key stakeholders in the development of the Motorcycle Life Cycle Plan which delivers our business objectives.
  • Guiding the team on H-D design principles such as Rider Experience and LSF, to ensure our products support and promote the Brand.
  • Responsible for strategic business relationships with Parts & Accessories, Apparel and Licensing, and the Go-To-Market (GTM) teams.
  • Supports the educational alliance strategy with key global creative schools.
  • Creative direction of the Design organization during reviews and critiques, ability to exhibit confidence inspired guidance.
  • Team mentorship: Facilitating healthy team cultures, enabling and fostering individual development goals, and targeted succession planning.
  • Serves as a Design representative/ambassador on corporate initiatives, supporting brand stewardship where/when needed.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design Required

Experience Requirements 

This position typically requires 12 years of experience in a product design field with an emphasis on Transportation and/or Powersports related industries with 5 years of experience in a managerial capacity.  In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the following:

  • Production experience from idea conception to product launch is non-negotiable.
  • Requires a deep understanding of the Harley-Davidson Brand and its Motorcycle products.
  • Extensive art direction skills required and must be able to influence the Product Development, Motorcycle Management, and Design leadership teams and their projects with guidance based on broad general design parameters, best practices, voice of customer, and brand translation.
  • Strong verbal and presentation skills

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: Yes  
Travel Required: 0 - 10%  
Pay Range: $172,800 - $276,500 

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)