Lead Product Quality Engineer

Auto req ID:37173

Title:Lead Product Quality Engineer

Job Function:Continuous Improvement and Quality

Location:PDC

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 Lead Product Quality Engineer.

Job Summary

The Lead Product Quality Engineer oversees the end-to-end product quality process, including APQP analysis, improvement, and sustainment of quality performance in areas such as development, design, launch, supplier, and manufacturing quality. This role focuses on specific commodities, suppliers, and processes, driving prevention and systemic root cause actions to support corrective/preventive actions.

The Lead Product Quality Engineer will proactively assess motorcycle systems and supply base to mitigate or escalate potential future risks. This position partners with internal and external stakeholders to develop robust design, launch, and production processes, ensuring high-quality products through A-grade launches. Additionally, this role serves as a mentor and teacher to team members, reinforcing continuous learning and improvement.

The Lead Product Quality Engineer bridges the work between Quality and the Product Development teams, taking end-to-end ownership of product quality for specific components. This hands-on role requires a deep understanding of motorcycle components, systems, testing, and related processes.
The Lead Product Quality Engineer drives Design for Quality (DFQ) from the outset of each program, leading and mentoring cross-functional teams through key processes such as DFMEA, DVP&R, and PFMEA. This position ensures the final quality of components, directly impacting customer experience and satisfaction.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads and mentors other engineers and addresses resources and operational challenges to support departmental plans.
• Achieve service, quality, and timeliness objectives as guided by end-to-end quality policies and departmental plans.
• Oversee product quality for a broad category of motorcycle components, identifying and solving technical and operational problems related to end-to-end quality.
• Guide and influence others internally and externally to meet/exceed objectives.
• Develop and recover end-to-end priorities to meet requirements in design, launch, delivery, and quality.
• Drives root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions, validating the effectiveness of solutions.
• Escalates issues within suppliers and leadership as necessary to create effective visibility.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Supply Base, Supply Continuity, Supply Quality, GAM, and Manufacturing to drive design changes, improvements, and ensure aligned priorities for quality and delivery.
• Partner with engineering for active participation in design reviews and throughout the development process.
• Solve complex problems using creative and analytical methods, working independently with guidance on complex situations.
• Manage and execute product development quality tasks, ensuring quality of DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and control plans.
• Coordinate with other quality functions to conduct analysis for quality improvements.
• Create and manage processes related to design quality, knowledge capture, and product launch readiness.
• Proactively engage in issue resolution and escalate issues early as appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement of product launch processes and product designs for improved quality and customer experience.
• Ensure critical deliverables and timelines are met for assigned development programs.

Education Requirements

• High school Diploma or Equivalent Required

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Broad expertise in End-to-end Quality initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability as an end-to-end Quality expert managing processes and leading deliverables.
• Proven track record of holding teams accountable to Quality metrics while providing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deep expertise in identifying, initiating, and completing necessary corrective and preventive actions.
• Experience in DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, and PPAP.
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Certification in Six Sigma tools and methods, ASQ designations Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), AIAG Quality Core Tools
• Engineering design, test validation, APQP, and PPAP experience.
• Manufacturing process development, product development, or distribution.
• Motorcycle enthusiast, riding experience, and knowledge of motorcycles, service, or accessories.

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: No

Travel Required: 10 - 25%

Pay Range:100,000-155,000

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance