Engineering Jobs in Motocross

Speeddemon73
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Grand Rapids, MI US
6/8/2021 8:41am
Hey All,
Looking for some advice on searching for engineering/ CAD Design / r&d jobs in the motocross industry. My educational background consists of a bachelor's in Product Design Engineering Technology, an associate's degree in Mechanical Design & Drafting, a couple of CAD certifications & departmental awards, my senior capstone project in college was motocross related. My current approach has been keeping an eye on the major motorcycle brand career pages, but it doesn't appear that race shop or race team-specific jobs are posted on the general careers pages. Other motorsports, namely formula one, has separate career pages for race team jobs and generic public type positions. I have also posted my resume on the "Motorcycle Industry Jobs" website, but no luck on there either as the main focus of that site appears to be more dealership technician/mechanic type positions. Most of the main engineering jobs for the major manufacturers are located in their home countries. Hoping these types of jobs aren't those "word of mouth" or based on "who you know" type positions. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
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had2comment
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6/8/2021 8:48am
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
5
Zesiger 112
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I’m about 4 years into my career now.
Bachelors in industrial engineering, minor in industrial management.
Associates in computer integrated machining.

How many years of experience do you have?
If you are coming fresh out of college go get an engineering job with a normal company and learn the ins and outs of the job. 3-5 years. I promise it is nothing like they have taught you in school.

These places in the motocross industry that would hire someone with your degree are looking for someone who is self sufficient and doesn’t need training, because they dont hire multiple people to the same positions like a big company would. Get what I’m saying? With a small company you are “the guy” so you better know what you are doing.
Speeddemon73
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6/8/2021 9:02am Edited Date/Time 6/8/2021 9:04am
I’m about 4 years into my career now. Bachelors in industrial engineering, minor in industrial management. Associates in computer integrated machining. How many years of experience...
I’m about 4 years into my career now.
Bachelors in industrial engineering, minor in industrial management.
Associates in computer integrated machining.

How many years of experience do you have?
If you are coming fresh out of college go get an engineering job with a normal company and learn the ins and outs of the job. 3-5 years. I promise it is nothing like they have taught you in school.

These places in the motocross industry that would hire someone with your degree are looking for someone who is self sufficient and doesn’t need training, because they dont hire multiple people to the same positions like a big company would. Get what I’m saying? With a small company you are “the guy” so you better know what you are doing.
I have around 10 years CAD/Solid modeling experience and about 5 years of design engineering experience. Worked during the day as a CAD designer and went to school at night to get my degrees. Already work in an engineering position for a company, but have reached as far as I can go. 2 years out of school currently and just looking to follow my passion in life.
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JBernard_401
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Boulder, CO US
6/8/2021 9:05am
Rekluse in Boise usually is pretty active in advertising for positions, mainly machining but I've seen some Eng positions pop up there as well.
2

The Shop

Falcon
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6/8/2021 9:09am
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
This is a harsh statement, and a great way to crush a young man's dreams.
Also, 100% correct. Woohoo



OP, if you really want to work in the industry as an R&D person, you may have to move to the local area for an OEM. I know Polaris and Harley-Davidson are (relatively) near you. You'll probably have to take an entry-level job and then move into the product development part of the company.
For motocross, you'll have to move to Japan or Austria to do R&D. (Or get a job at an aftermarket company.)
Falcon
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6/8/2021 9:11am
PS-
It is most definitely a "who you know" and "word of mouth" type of position in many cases. Good luck!
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philG
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6/8/2021 9:25am
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
This is the best advice you will ever get. Earn double (or more) in an industry that pays.. aerospace, or anything else. Steer clear of MX .
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Broseph
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6/8/2021 9:25am
Rekluse in Boise usually is pretty active in advertising for positions, mainly machining but I've seen some Eng positions pop up there as well.
Would not recommend.
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Zesiger 112
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6/8/2021 9:55am
I’m about 4 years into my career now. Bachelors in industrial engineering, minor in industrial management. Associates in computer integrated machining. How many years of experience...
I’m about 4 years into my career now.
Bachelors in industrial engineering, minor in industrial management.
Associates in computer integrated machining.

How many years of experience do you have?
If you are coming fresh out of college go get an engineering job with a normal company and learn the ins and outs of the job. 3-5 years. I promise it is nothing like they have taught you in school.

These places in the motocross industry that would hire someone with your degree are looking for someone who is self sufficient and doesn’t need training, because they dont hire multiple people to the same positions like a big company would. Get what I’m saying? With a small company you are “the guy” so you better know what you are doing.
I have around 10 years CAD/Solid modeling experience and about 5 years of design engineering experience. Worked during the day as a CAD designer and went...
I have around 10 years CAD/Solid modeling experience and about 5 years of design engineering experience. Worked during the day as a CAD designer and went to school at night to get my degrees. Already work in an engineering position for a company, but have reached as far as I can go. 2 years out of school currently and just looking to follow my passion in life.
Oh sweet! Well you should be good then. Good luck
mxtech1
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Galesburg, IL US
6/8/2021 9:56am
Luxon MX was looking for someone last time I checked
Harley Davidson - always hiring (if you like that kind of market)
Polaris (Indian MC & Powersports division) has frequent postings
KTM AG (lots of engineering postings, but seems VERY difficult to even get an interview)
KTM NA - very rare
Yamaha Motors will occasionally post an engineering for Powersports
Occasionally I will see postings for Ducati, Triumph, etc.
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC has been hiring design engineers recently - seems like they are growing quite a bit
Honda...rare to see an open. Have to search both HPD and Honda of America job postings.
Suzuki, Kawasaki....hardly ever see anything stateside.

Keep an eye on motorcycleindustryjobs.com as well as LinkedIn (keyword job search motorcycle)
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Toby259
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6/8/2021 10:16am Edited Date/Time 6/8/2021 10:16am
Hey man, it looks like we are in the same town,

I am in a similar career as you, but it sounds like I'm about 30 years ahead of you. I work in product development for a huge international company in the auto industry. Being on Vital, I am also a huge fan of MX and off-road riding and racing.

My recommendation would be to get as much experience as possible in many different disciplines of product development and all of the related activities. Nobody wants a guy who makes CAD models all day, you have to be a jack-of-all trades and make yourself marketable. Learn testing - validation, FEA, destructive, field returns, etc.. Learn how parts and materials fail under all conditions. Learn project management and become good at dealing with idiots. Be flexible and be willing to learn, even if it's not exactly what you want to be doing. Move to Detroit and get experience working in the fast-paced auto industry, or move to Charlotte NC and get a job in the motosports industry (there used to be a ton of cool jobs in NASCAR but I would guess they are harder to come by now). #1 thing is to Network... be cool and put in the work and the people you cross paths with will come to you with future opportunities. Be "that guy" that someone knows that can get you the job.

If you really want a job in the motorcycle industry, you will eventually get one if you keep at it ... just be sure that's what you really want! As others have mentioned, the pay will usually be lower and you will have to travel and do a lot of work (weekends) so your passion for the sport may suffer. Also if you have a family, the travel will get old after a while.

Get a good job in the auto industry (or similar) with good demand and decent pay and decent vacation, then travel on your own time and enjoy your passion on the weekends.
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yak651
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6/8/2021 10:17am
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
About 20 years ago I interviewed at Buell for an engineering job. I had approximately 3 years experience. Interview went well and seemed like it would be a cool job but I would had to take about $5k pay cut from a job I thought I was already underpaid at (reason why I was looking ). I turned it down, they went out of business. Maybe it would've let me to other opportunities in the industry that would've paid but i didn't take the chance. Probably the reason I didn't make it to the pro class, I'm too risk adverse.... Still at a job I don't "love" but make a decent living. A little envious of those that go with their heart, even if it doesn't make them rich. Good luck with your search!
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Brad460
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6/8/2021 11:29am Edited Date/Time 6/8/2021 11:34am
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger.

Do whatever you want- if you want a job in the motorcycle industry go do it. Don’t solely focus on money, also focus on professional and personal experience. This is what will make you valuable to a company..

Out of college I did what I wanted- went to work for snowmobile manufacturer as a Test Engineer because I loved snowmobiles (and still do). It was a great experience and led me exactly to where I am today.


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kb228
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6/8/2021 12:46pm
Getting a job in your hobby is a great way to ruin your hobby.
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Jordan421
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6/8/2021 1:00pm
kb228 wrote:
Getting a job in your hobby is a great way to ruin your hobby.
That’s why I got out of the porn industry.
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Brad460
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6/8/2021 1:21pm
kb228 wrote:
Getting a job in your hobby is a great way to ruin your hobby.
Have you personally experienced this?

kb228
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6/8/2021 1:37pm
kb228 wrote:
Getting a job in your hobby is a great way to ruin your hobby.
Brad460 wrote:
Have you personally experienced this?

When i help out my dad in the service dept the last thing i want to do when i get home is be in the garage. More related, when i spend all day at work doing cad and working out fluid power formulas or printing prototypes the last thing i want to do when i get home is fart around with inventor and my 3d printer.

Point is the novelty wears off when you do it all the time.
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Brad460
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kb228 wrote:
When i help out my dad in the service dept the last thing i want to do when i get home is be in the garage...
When i help out my dad in the service dept the last thing i want to do when i get home is be in the garage. More related, when i spend all day at work doing cad and working out fluid power formulas or printing prototypes the last thing i want to do when i get home is fart around with inventor and my 3d printer.

Point is the novelty wears off when you do it all the time.
I’ve loved engines my whole life and that is what I have centered my career around...

I guess I am the opposite- For me I can’t imagine a career not related to something I love..That would be horrible..
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had2comment
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6/8/2021 2:10pm
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
yak651 wrote:
About 20 years ago I interviewed at Buell for an engineering job. I had approximately 3 years experience. Interview went well and seemed like it would...
About 20 years ago I interviewed at Buell for an engineering job. I had approximately 3 years experience. Interview went well and seemed like it would be a cool job but I would had to take about $5k pay cut from a job I thought I was already underpaid at (reason why I was looking ). I turned it down, they went out of business. Maybe it would've let me to other opportunities in the industry that would've paid but i didn't take the chance. Probably the reason I didn't make it to the pro class, I'm too risk adverse.... Still at a job I don't "love" but make a decent living. A little envious of those that go with their heart, even if it doesn't make them rich. Good luck with your search!
Great point. A lot of factors can play into these decisions.
moto314
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6/8/2021 2:50pm
Go work in another field and make enough money to actually enjoy riding mx.
yak651 wrote:
About 20 years ago I interviewed at Buell for an engineering job. I had approximately 3 years experience. Interview went well and seemed like it would...
About 20 years ago I interviewed at Buell for an engineering job. I had approximately 3 years experience. Interview went well and seemed like it would be a cool job but I would had to take about $5k pay cut from a job I thought I was already underpaid at (reason why I was looking ). I turned it down, they went out of business. Maybe it would've let me to other opportunities in the industry that would've paid but i didn't take the chance. Probably the reason I didn't make it to the pro class, I'm too risk adverse.... Still at a job I don't "love" but make a decent living. A little envious of those that go with their heart, even if it doesn't make them rich. Good luck with your search!
Great point. A lot of factors can play into these decisions.
One of my best friends was an engineer at Buell about 20 years ago. He left before they went out of business.
Question
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6/8/2021 2:52pm Edited Date/Time 6/8/2021 2:56pm
As much as I would like you to find immediately your dream job, the best advice I can give is to not care at all, and push (which based on your background, I am positive it is already what you do).

Don't be wrong with what I am trying to say, but the goal for you is "just" to be an expert in whatever field you are in. By expert, I mean world class, 8 to 10pm, for a few years, and not just working, think Osborne or Ferrandis type of commitment, training hard and learning as much as you can, work is only 3 or 4 hours a day when you are totally efficient, the rest is learning. Then, actually once you get gold in hand, the OEM may look after you more than you look after them, because you will be worth more than what they can propose, and you may actually continue in what you are working on because the MX OEM may probably (for sure) never match what you can earn if you have totally developped your skillset, nor they will offer you any development or career opportunities like you could get in the "big league". MX is so small you may use right now machine that you will never use again in the next 20 years.

That is the moment you will be able to choose between mx and other industries, between "stepping down" because of your passion, or continuing the "rat race" for fun, or (what I encourage anybody to do) making your own business because no bosses want to value what you build ; in all cases, be super patient, ultra patient, more than what i have been (I was moving up every 6 months in average), because you look committed, so it will come sooner than later.
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TeamGreen
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6/8/2021 3:00pm
Brad460 wrote:
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger. Do...
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger.

Do whatever you want- if you want a job in the motorcycle industry go do it. Don’t solely focus on money, also focus on professional and personal experience. This is what will make you valuable to a company..

Out of college I did what I wanted- went to work for snowmobile manufacturer as a Test Engineer because I loved snowmobiles (and still do). It was a great experience and led me exactly to where I am today.


That said and with the enthusiasm and knowledge base he has...

I'd start my own business and offer my services to all the various co's, teams and OEMs out there. I use a coupl'a guy as "guns for hire"...A LOT! Tehy make pretty damn good $$$

I'm jus' payin'...

Grinning
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RedTail
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6/8/2021 3:22pm
kb228 wrote:
Getting a job in your hobby is a great way to ruin your hobby.
Jordan421 wrote:
That’s why I got out of the porn industry.
Giggity.
moto314
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Mooresville, NC US
6/8/2021 6:16pm
Brad460 wrote:
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger. Do...
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger.

Do whatever you want- if you want a job in the motorcycle industry go do it. Don’t solely focus on money, also focus on professional and personal experience. This is what will make you valuable to a company..

Out of college I did what I wanted- went to work for snowmobile manufacturer as a Test Engineer because I loved snowmobiles (and still do). It was a great experience and led me exactly to where I am today.


TeamGreen wrote:
That said and with the enthusiasm and knowledge base he has... I'd start my own business and offer my services to all the various co's, teams...
That said and with the enthusiasm and knowledge base he has...

I'd start my own business and offer my services to all the various co's, teams and OEMs out there. I use a coupl'a guy as "guns for hire"...A LOT! Tehy make pretty damn good $$$

I'm jus' payin'...

Grinning
That's a horrible idea, I don't need anymore competition. Wink
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
6/8/2021 6:29pm
Brad460 wrote:
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger. Do...
My advice- Don’t listen to everyone telling you what not to do..most nay sayers likely regret not doing what they wanted when they were younger.

Do whatever you want- if you want a job in the motorcycle industry go do it. Don’t solely focus on money, also focus on professional and personal experience. This is what will make you valuable to a company..

Out of college I did what I wanted- went to work for snowmobile manufacturer as a Test Engineer because I loved snowmobiles (and still do). It was a great experience and led me exactly to where I am today.


TeamGreen wrote:
That said and with the enthusiasm and knowledge base he has... I'd start my own business and offer my services to all the various co's, teams...
That said and with the enthusiasm and knowledge base he has...

I'd start my own business and offer my services to all the various co's, teams and OEMs out there. I use a coupl'a guy as "guns for hire"...A LOT! Tehy make pretty damn good $$$

I'm jus' payin'...

Grinning
moto314 wrote:
That's a horrible idea, I don't need anymore competition. Wink
I was kinda thinking you're the best source of info on this one.
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1
6/8/2021 6:44pm
Hmmm...The only company in the USA that designs, develops, and manufactures motocross bikes is a few hours south of you...We do a lot of very high-end engineering. You should come on down for a visit...DM me if you want to talk.
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philG
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GB
6/9/2021 4:26am
kb228 wrote:
When i help out my dad in the service dept the last thing i want to do when i get home is be in the garage...
When i help out my dad in the service dept the last thing i want to do when i get home is be in the garage. More related, when i spend all day at work doing cad and working out fluid power formulas or printing prototypes the last thing i want to do when i get home is fart around with inventor and my 3d printer.

Point is the novelty wears off when you do it all the time.
Exactly this... i ran a dealership for a few years.. i never wanted to see a bike again. Went back into engineering, and worked in WRC/F1/Indy and R&D.. now in Aerospace 10 mins from home, earning good money on my doorstep. F1 wages are great, but not as great as punching out at 4 30 and never working extra hours.
endurox
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6/9/2021 8:45am
The motorcycle industry is not big. So once you get a job with any company and make connections, your dream job will be available within a reasonable time period. There is a high turn over in the industry.
Broseph
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6/9/2021 5:48pm
endurox wrote:
The motorcycle industry is not big. So once you get a job with any company and make connections, your dream job will be available within a...
The motorcycle industry is not big. So once you get a job with any company and make connections, your dream job will be available within a reasonable time period. There is a high turn over in the industry.
Why would there be high turnover if a dream job is readily accessible?
SCC
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6/9/2021 10:46pm Edited Date/Time 6/9/2021 10:47pm
I would rather enjoy my 60hr work week vs my 4hr weekend ride. Ill take enjoyment of work over pay all day. Unfortunately thats no longer a option in the usa.

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