Vehicle Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Auto req ID: 53204 
Title: Engineer Systems - Vehicle Simulation 
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  Engineer Systems - Vehicle Simulation.

Job Summary
This role develops and operates full‑vehicle simulation systems that integrate real‑time motorcycle models with physical test equipment to support early vehicle development. The position ensures strong correlation between simulation and real‑world testing, continuously improves simulation tools and methods, and partners cross‑functionally to deliver simulation‑driven insights that inform design decisions and reduce reliance on physical prototypes.

Job Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains custom Human-in-the-Loop full-vehicle simulation systems by integrating physical test equipment (e.g. 6-DoF motion platforms, actuators, controllers) with real-time motorcycle models and physical motorcycle hardware (e.g. CAN bus, sensors) to enable realistic early-stage vehicle evaluations.
• Manages and utilizes simulation infrastructure (e.g. real-time computing systems, data acquisition hardware, motorcycle simulators) to conduct tests, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure high-quality data collection in support of vehicle development programs.
• Ensures strong correlation between simulations and real-world results by aligning virtual models with test data and refining models based on lab/track measurements to improve prediction accuracy.
• Implements continuous improvements in simulation tools and methods by exploring new technologies (such as richer virtual scenarios, alternate real-time modeling platforms) and introducing them to enhance the realism, efficiency, and flexibility of H-D’s virtual testing capabilities.
• Collaborates with cross-functional engineering teams – including design, test labs, and human factors groups to provide simulation-driven insights that guide design decisions, resolve performance issues, and reduce the need for physical prototypes.
• Documents simulation procedures and shares best practices with peers, contributing to training and knowledge transfer that expand the team’s proficiency in advanced simulation techniques and promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Education Requirements

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Master’s or PhD preferred) or related engineering degree.

Experience Requirements

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience. In addition, they will have demonstrated the following:

• Experience designing and integrating mechatronic systems that combine hardware and software components.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems independently.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects, coordinating across mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience with real-time hardware or simulation systems (e.g. Concurrent iHawk, SimWB or dSPACE)
• Familiarity with vehicle dynamics and simulation tools (e.g. ADAMS, MotionSolve, SimPack, VI-BikeRT or CarSim/BikeSim).
• Operation of mechatronic test equipment including actuators or 6DOF platforms (MTS, Moog, etc.).
• Experience with vehicle development through simulation, test data analysis, or on-vehicle testing.
• Experience in computer programming and other data analysis tools (e.g. Matlab, Python, GlyphWorks, nCode, Aqira, C/C++, etc.).

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: $74,900 - $112.200 
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)