Sr Engineer Materials

Auto req ID: 54008 
Title: Sr Engineer Materials 
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 Engineer Materials.

Job Summary

The Senior Materials Engineer will be responsible for supporting the Product Development Process (PDP) by providing material analysis of steel and aluminum castings, forgings, and sheet metal parts and systems. Candidate will provide metallurgical expertise in key phases of the motorcycle development process by recommending material selections based on part and system requirements. Candidate drives root-cause investigations through failure analysis, reporting and serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for materials-related issues across product development, manufacturing, and supplier management.

Job Responsibilities

Materials Expertise

• Demonstrates strong understanding of the properties and applications of ferrous and non ferrous metals.
• Understands how alloy composition, microstructure, processing, and post-processing treatments influence material performance.
• Possesses knowledge of casting and forging processes including die casting, permanent mold, sand casting, investment casting, and precision forging.

 

Heat Treatment & Surface Engineering

• Demonstrates understanding of thermal and mechanical treatments for aluminum and steel.
• Knowledgeable in carburizing, nitriding, induction hardening, and related surface modification processes.
• Applies relevant external standards where appropriate (ASTM, SAE, ISO, etc.).

 

Metallic Finishes

• Understands properties and applications of common metallic finishes.
• Familiar with analytical methods such as STEP testing, coulometric thickness testing, and CASS corrosion testing.

 

Mechanical Behavior & Fatigue

• Demonstrates understanding of monotonic and cyclic fatigue behavior for common engineering materials.
• Applies fatigue principles to component design reviews and failure analyses.

 

Problem Solving & Cross-Functional Support

• Leads resolution of technical issues using structured problem solving techniques.
  Collaborates with cross functional engineering, test, and manufacturing teams to support design validation and issue resolution.

 

Joining & Fabrication

• Has working knowledge of joining processes including brazing, MIG, and TIG welding of steel and aluminum.
• Understands the effect of joining heat input and subsequent thermal treatments on material performance.

 

Laboratory & Analytical Expertise

• Proficient in hardness testing, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
• Demonstrates ability to prepare metallurgical samples and perform defect analysis.
• Produces clear, accurate documentation and reports that support technical conclusions.

 

Leadership & Communication

• Mentors lab personnel and provides technical guidance to engineering teams.
• Communicates complex technical topics clearly to audiences across the organization, including non technical stakeholders.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required

Education Specifications

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Material Science / Materials Engineering
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

 

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: Yes  
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)