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Motorcycle Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Motorcycle Design

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$172K - $276K/yr

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 ...

Director, Motorcycle Design

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$172K - $276K/yr

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 ...

Through a unique collaborative process, ARCH produces bespoke production motorcycles each individually tailored to the customer and built to order. The candidate will participate in design ...

Design Intern

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Through a unique collaborative process, ARCH produces bespoke production motorcycles each individually tailored to the customer and built to order. The candidate will participate in design ...

Every ARCH motorcycle is built from an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence and dedication to the rider. As a Junior Designer you will perform design visualization from initial ...

Every ARCH motorcycle is built from an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence and dedication to the rider. ARCH does not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion ...

Every ARCH motorcycle is built from an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence and dedication to the rider. As a Junior Designer you will perform design visualization from initial ...

Design Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

Design, optimize, and deliver motorcycle components and systems from concept through production, applying sound engineering fundamentals, analysis, and testing * Define and manage component or system ...

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Motorcycle Design information

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How much do motorcycle design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for motorcycle design in the United States is $19.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is motorcycle design?

Motorcycle design is the process of creating the appearance, structure, and functionality of motorcycles. It involves combining engineering principles with artistic creativity to develop bikes that are safe, efficient, and visually appealing. Designers work on aspects like frame geometry, aerodynamics, ergonomics, materials, and aesthetic details. Their goal is to ensure the motorcycle not only performs well but also appeals to consumers and complies with safety regulations.

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

To thrive as a Motorcycle Designer, you need expertise in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and a solid understanding of aerodynamics, typically supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are crucial technical skills. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork help set outstanding designers apart in this field. These combined skills ensure innovative, functional, and marketable motorcycle designs that meet both performance and aesthetic standards.

What is the difference between Motorcycle Design vs Motorcycle Engineering?

AspectMotorcycle DesignMotorcycle Engineering
Primary FocusConceptualization, aesthetics, and overall look of motorcyclesTechnical development, functionality, and performance of motorcycles
Required SkillsCreative design, CAD modeling, artistic skillsMechanical engineering, systems integration, technical analysis
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, creative teamsEngineering labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments
Common CertificationsDesign degrees, CAD certificationsMechanical engineering degrees, engineering licenses

Motorcycle Design focuses on the visual appeal and conceptual aspects of motorcycles, while Motorcycle Engineering emphasizes technical development and performance. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within the motorcycle industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Motorcycle Design and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Motorcycle Design often face the challenge of balancing innovative aesthetics with safety, functionality, and manufacturability. Tight deadlines and evolving customer preferences require designers to be adaptable and proficient in both creative and technical aspects. Collaborating closely with engineers, marketing teams, and manufacturers is essential to ensure designs are feasible and meet regulatory standards. Staying updated with new materials, technologies, and sustainability trends is also important for continuous improvement and career growth in this field.
More about Motorcycle Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Motorcycle Design jobs? Cities with the most Motorcycle Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Motorcycle Design jobs? The most popular types of Motorcycle Design jobs are:
What states have the most Motorcycle Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Motorcycle Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Motorcycle Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motorcycle Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Motorcycle Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,538 per year, or $20 per hour.
Director, Motorcycle Design

Director, Motorcycle Design

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI

$172K - $276K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 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)