Engineering Systems Manager, Vehicle Handling & Braking - Hybrid

The Manager of Vehicle Dynamics and Performance leads the team responsible for delivering world class ride, handling, braking and enhanced chassis control performance for current and future Harley-Davidson vehicles through the application of vehicle dynamics theory, simulation, laboratory and on-vehicle testing while actively pushing to advance the state of the art in vehicle development. Applies understanding of the business and how vehicle dynamics (ride, handling, stability, braking, and chassis controls) integrate with stakeholders and customers in support of Product Line, Vehicle Engineering, System Engineering, and Current Product teams. Demonstrates specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in the development and validation of vehicle dynamics, techniques, and methodologies. Manages the individual team's budget and resources such as capital, expense, manpower, etc. Provides technical guidance and development opportunities to employees (salaried, and contingent) and enhances the skill sets and competencies of people within the Vehicle Dynamics team.

• Develops and clearly articulates a strategic vision for Vehicle Dynamics and drives the successful implementation of those strategies in support of the vision.
• Leads the development of deep technical knowledge and requirements within the area of Vehicle Dynamics, providing leadership and insight into technical feasibility and into the design review process.
• End-to-end technical ownership of motorcycle dynamics encompassing ride, handling, stability, braking and chassis controls.
• Accountable for vehicle trade-offs, methods, and measurements.
• Benchmarks current and competitive vehicles to develop world-class vehicle dynamic performance requirements and metrics.
• Participates in the vehicle test plan development with a focus on optimizing test plan efficiency and number of required test vehicles.
• Manages the analysis and interpretation of vehicle test data to resolve complex problems involving motorcycle projects ensuring robust, world-class designs.
• Works closely with Systems V&V and System Engineering teams to correlate vehicle data with virtual simulation models, with a focus on increasing vehicle simulation and reducing vehicle dynamic testing.
• Manages the continuous improvement activities within the Vehicle Dynamics group.
• Identifies and leads innovation activities that advance the state of the art in vehicle dynamics theory, development process, and vehicle performance.
• Manages workload of direct team and indirectly with remote test site facilities and personnel.
• Responsible for input into annual lab capital and expense budgets, Integrated Business Case (IBC) development and capital project execution.
• Coaches, mentors, empowers, and schedules the work of direct reports (salaried, and contingent) to drive achievements in business goals and objectives.
• Performs salaried personnel evaluations and provide developmental feedback.
• Creates and maintains a climate for open communication with direct reports and others in which people can be fully involved and their abilities utilized.
• Leads the organization in commitment and focus to internal and external customer satisfaction.
• Guides and influences key cross-functional stakeholders (Vehicle Engineering, System Engineering, Product Line Engineering, Design, Current Product Engineering, Materials, Manufacturing, Product Regulatory, Legal, Product Integrity and Finance) through collaboration.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to resolve issues related to DFMEAs, Test Incident Reports (TIRs), Conformity of Production, component/system design, vehicle safety and other areas as needed.

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical degree is required.

This role requires a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience. In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the following:

• Demonstrated skill in identifying, resolving, and producing high-value measurable results on complex technical and operational issues related to vehicle dynamic design and performance (ride, handling, stability, braking and chassis controls).
• Demonstrated ability in managing and developing high-functioning engineering teams to achieve goals and objectives.
• Communicates effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization as well as external parties.
• Advanced technical understanding and extensive experience evaluating and explaining vehicle dynamics concepts and their relationship to subjective and objective measures of vehicle performance.
• Deep expertise in concepts, methods, and terminology as well as substantial hands-on experience producing high-value measurable results on complex projects within the following areas: Test type evaluation (development, verification, certification) of vehicle dynamics. Analysis of test data to provide decision ready information. Vehicle Dynamics best practice knowledge (i.e., requirements, dynamic parameters, methods, and documentation). Design solution testing recommendation.
• Expert level knowledge of vehicle dynamics technical and practical concepts.
• Proven success managing medium-large scale projects from concept development through successful implementation.
• Extensive experience in vehicle development via simulation, test data acquisition and analysis, and on-vehicle testing.
• Interaction / collaboration / leading or guiding remote test sites.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated relevant experience with multibody dynamic simulation software packages.
• Advanced motorcycle riding capabilities.

Preferred

• Expert level motorcycle riding and evaluation skills