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Motorcycle Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptera Motors

Sr Engineer, Exterior

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$108.40K - $148.90K/yr

Design, develop, engineer and lead the vehicle exterior system and components and their full ... Experience with automotive, motorcycle and tri-cycle exterior systems and components for road ...

Ottawa Infotainment

UI/UX Design Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

Youll work directly alongside experienced automotive HMI designers and engineers contributing to ... Motorcycles and powersports * Commercial and fleet vehicles * Sports cars and premium passenger ...

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Motorcycle Design Engineer information

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$45.5K

$91.6K

$136.5K

How much do motorcycle design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for motorcycle design engineer in the United States is $91,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Motorcycle Design Engineer do?

A Motorcycle Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving motorcycles by combining engineering principles with creativity. They work on vehicle performance, safety, aesthetics, and efficiency while collaborating with teams in aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing. Using CAD software and prototype testing, they refine designs to enhance speed, durability, and rider comfort. Their role ensures motorcycles meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Motorcycle Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motorcycle Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering or industrial design, with expertise in CAD software and motorcycle systems. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, and prototype testing equipment, as well as compliance with industry standards, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for designing innovative, safe, and reliable motorcycles while collaborating efficiently across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What are some common challenges Motorcycle Design Engineers face in their daily work?

Motorcycle Design Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing innovative design ideas with practical constraints such as safety standards, cost, and manufacturability. They regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, electronics, and testing departments—to ensure that designs are feasible and meet all regulatory requirements. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology and consumer trends is essential in this dynamic field. Successfully managing these challenges leads to the creation of high-quality motorcycles that resonate with both the market and safety regulations.
More about Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Motorcycle Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs are:
Motorcycle Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motorcycle Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.

Sr Design Engineer - Powertrain Lower End Systems

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI

$101.60K - $139K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Auto req ID: 48844 
Title: Sr Design Engineer - Powertrain Lower End Systems 
Job Function: Engineering 
Location: PDC
Workplace Category:Onsite 
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 Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra – You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a  Sr Design Engineer - Powertrain Lower End Systems.

Job Summary

The Senior Engineer – Powertrain Lower End Systems will serve as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for crankshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and related lower-end powertrain components. This role is responsible for full lifecycle ownership of component design, including concept development, analysis, validation, production launch, and ongoing in‑field quality management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in component design, simulation, testing methodologies, and vehicle‑level system interactions. This senior‑level engineer will apply advanced technical knowledge to drive innovation, ensure robust system performance, and support overall engine development. Strong problem‑solving abilities, a proactive approach to issue resolution, and the capability to implement effective solutions quickly are essential for success in this role.

Job Responsibilities
  • Collaborates with cross‑functional teams to design, develop, and deliver powertrain components and systems from concept through production.
  • Proactively seeks out and maintains expertise in state‑of‑the‑art design methodologies, analysis tools, materials, and testing techniques related to crankshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and associated components.
  • Diagnoses and resolves complex technical issues, applying both innovative thinking and rigorous analytical methods to develop effective solutions.
  • Operates independently with minimal direction, requiring guidance only for highly complex or strategic challenges.
  • Influences project outcomes by delivering optimized designs that meet performance targets while balancing quality, weight, cost, and timing constraints.
  • Supports creation and execution of Design Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (DFMEAs) and Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&Rs).
  • Analyzes test data and drives closure of findings for both internally executed and supplier‑led validation activities.
  • Communicates project status, risks, key metrics, and recommended actions clearly and effectively to cross‑functional partners and leadership.
  • Identifies and implements continuous improvement opportunities within component design processes, tools, and methodologies.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Required
Education Specifications
  • Requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical Degree.
Experience Requirements

Required

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in powertrain engineering, with a demonstrated track record of technical problem‑solving and component development.
  • Strong foundational knowledge and practical experience in powertrain system development is required.
  • Proficient in key analysis, design, testing, and manufacturing tools and processes, including CAD, GD&T, FEA, conventional engineering calculations, PLM systems, DFM/DFA methodologies, and engineering change management.
  • Deep technical understanding of crankshaft, connecting rod, and bearing geometry, including materials, material properties, and component behavior under load.
  • Well‑versed in current and emerging technologies related to crankshaft, connecting rod, and bearing design, manufacturing, and performance.

Preferred

  • Project management experience, including delivering engineering work as part of a cross‑functional team.
  • Background in the motorcycle or automotive industry, with familiarity in powertrain development.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and data manipulation techniques; experience with Weibull analysis is strongly preferred.
  • Experience—either hands‑on or through technical leadership—with advanced predictive analysis tools, methods, and testing, including multibody dynamics, FEA, noise and vibration analysis, durability testing, and duty‑cycle development.

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. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here. 

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

Direct Reports: No  
Travel Required: 0 - 10%  
Pay Range: $93,400-145,000 
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)  

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