Design Engineer - Base Powertrain

About the role

Join Harley‑Davidson's Product Development Center in Wauwatosa, WI, as a Design Engineer focused on base powertrain components. This entry‑level position supports the full product lifecycle—from concept through production launch—working alongside experienced engineers to turn requirements into reliable designs.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in designing and delivering powertrain parts such as crankshafts, casings, covers, cylinder heads, balancers, gears, and bearings.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of engineering calculations, CAD tools, drawings, materials, manufacturing processes, and validation methods.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define requirements, evaluate alternatives, and balance performance, quality, cost, weight, and schedule.
• Support engineering analysis, tolerance reviews, component packaging, design reviews, and documentation to demonstrate robustness.
• Create and execute DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and related engineering deliverables.
• Review test data, summarize findings, and help close issues from development, validation, supplier, or production activities.
• Communicate project status, risks, and next steps to team members, partners, and leadership.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, tools, documentation, and team standards.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Early‑career engineer eager to build foundational product‑development capabilities.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to work in a collaborative, cross‑functional environment.

Required skills

• Proficiency with CAD tools.
• Engineering calculations and tolerance analysis.
• Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R).
• Component packaging and design review processes.
• Data analysis of test results.