Senior Systems Engineer - Racing

The Senior Systems Engineer - Racing is responsible to deliver technical and practical engineering solutions to improve vehicle performance. You will be responsible for a variety of engineering related activities in areas such as data analysis, engine calibration, methods and tool development, and race day support. You will work closely with racing crew chiefs to help define vehicle setups, troubleshoot issues, and advance the state of the art in motorcycle racing activities within Harley-Davidson. You will need to look beyond just the immediate project scope and requirements to guarantee that features align with future technological trends and partner with advanced engineering team to prepare roadmaps to enhance current features as well as deliver new features and functions. You will be responsible for managing all on-track data acquisition and refinement at all H-D Factory Racing events. This role may be required to split time onsite at both our Product Development Center in Wauwatosa, WI and our Corporate Headquarters on Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee, WI.

• Develop, implement, and continuously optimize control strategies for factory racing motorcycles in both OEM and aftermarket systems.
• Define and create data analysis and related engineering efficiency tools to speed up development and on and off-track decision making.
• Manage and optimize on-track performance real-time at the racetrack.
• Support the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing efforts at race and test events.

Specific Deliverables Include:

Data Analysis

• Full vehicle data evaluation including engine and chassis performance
• Race event data analysis and decision making
• Definition, management, and maintenance of data acquisition equipment and strategies

ECM Calibration

• Support of engine calibration / performance development
• Traction management / Torque delivery refinement / Quick shifter / Engine braking

Analysis and Productivity Tool Development

• Automation and efficiency improvements of data analysis software and routines
• Data management tools and process development

Race Day Support

• Data analysis and real time recommendations and/or troubleshooting for improved vehicle performance and robustness
• Engine calibration updates and refinements
• Hands on support as needed for general team activities (equipment setup, vehicle support, tire support, etc.)

• This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical Degree.
  Master's Degree in Engineering Preferred.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering and/or powersport controls experience. In addition, they will have demonstrated the following:

• Familiarity with advanced engine/chassis control strategies such as Fueling, Ignition Timing, Throttle Position, Gear Position, Engine Braking, Knock Control, Rev Limiting, Quickshift, Launch Control, Traction Control, Torque/Power Limiting, etc.
• Technical programming languages for data analysis such as Matlab or Python
• Analytical aptitude for creation and use of objective test methods, metrics, and analysis techniques.
• Applied experience with full vehicle data acquisition systems including system definition, vehicle installation, 3rd party and custom data analysis programs, and trouble shooting.
• Knowledge of whole-vehicle systems with appreciation for how that influences engine control approach, design & integration.
• Creative approach to solving problems and able to own issue resolution from data collection, data analysis, root cause identification, solution set generation, and selection of optimal solution.
• Success coordinating teams of internal stakeholders and suppliers to meet aggressive quality and performance objectives.
• Ability to influence cross-functional team members without direct authority.
• Ability to communicate technical subjects in a clear, concise manner in high pressure, dynamic environments such as under the team tent and at the pit wall.
• Ability to work with diverse global teams both internally and externally (suppliers), and both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally as required, to support all official Factory Racing events.
• Willingness to step outside of immediate job responsibilities whilst supporting a cohesive team.
• Motorcycle license.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience tuning engines with aftermarket racing ECUs such as MaxxECU, Marelli, Mectronik, MoTeC, etc.
• Superbike or other race support experience as a Data Engineer in a high-level racing series such as AMA Professional Road Racing, NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, WorldSBK, MotoGP, etc.
• Experience designing, sourcing, and building vehicle harnesses to meet racing/mil-spec level requirements.
• Knowledge of engine dynamics (ideally V-twin engine dynamics).
• Experience testing engines on engine and/or chassis a dynamometer.
• Vehicle dynamics theory and practice and on-track testing development.
• Proficiency with 3rd party and/or custom-built dynamic simulation software packages.
• Motorcycle racing crew chief experience.
• Familiarity with working directly riders/racers and distilling feedback into actionable changes.
• Advanced motorcycle riding skills.