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Senior Materials Science Finishes Engineer

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Wauwatosa, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 11/26/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/25/2025
Auto req ID: 38493

Title: Senior Materials Science Finishes Engineer

Job Function: Engineering

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 Senior Materials Science Finishes Engineer.

Job Summary

Harley-Davidson is looking for an experienced individual to join our CMFG Engineering team. The acronym CMFG stands for Color, Materials, Finishes, Graphics. This Engineering team is responsible for the end-to-end technical ownership of all painted parts and finish coatings. The team is responsible for development, delivery and maintenance of all paints and finishes for all product lines in the business.

This role is the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for paint and ink coating materials. The role supports cross-functional teams by ensuring technical accuracy, owning Engineering performance and test standards, and performing validation testing.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a consultant to project teams for new product development
  • Serve as an escalation help chain for current product including consulting on supplier quality issues
  • Own and maintain Engineering specifications and standards
  • Collaborate and review Engineering drawings for Design Engineers
  • Perform validation testing of samples in our on-site materials laboratory
  • Proper care and use of the calibrated laboratory equipment
  • Prepare test reports of validation testing
  • Defect and root cause analysis of organic coatings
  • Effectively communicate complex technical information to stakeholdersEngage in innovation projects consulting and testing new coating materials
  • Own the location masters process for new product development

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree with Engineering curriculum required
  • Preferred education focus in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Coatings and Polymeric Materials, Paint and Coatings Technology.

Experience Requirements

  • At least 5 years of experience in a related field required
  • Technical knowledge of paint finish chemical profile, formulation, application
  • Design of component coatings for liquid industrial paint, powder coat, organic finishes
  • Familiarity with color theory, color observation and cosmetic viewing standards and tools
  • Validation testing of samples in a laboratory setting
  • Process engineering validation of painted parts in a manufacturing environment
  • Interfacing with CMF (Color, Materials, Finishes) industrial designers

Other Requirements

  • Must be able to stand for up to 4 hours at a time
  • Must be able to lift and move parts weighing up to 50 lbs
  • Must be willing to use machinery to cut and prepare test samples

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: 0 - 10%

Pay Range: $90,700 - $140,800

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)

Salary : $90,700 - $140,800

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