Finding a job in motorcycle engineering

[gsxrdan]

I would like to start a career as an engineer in the motorcycle industry. Motorcycles have always been a passion of mine. I've been riding bikes for most of my life. I've worked on japanese sportbikes for about six years. I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering last year. Since then I've been working as a Mechanical Engineer for a small machine/fabrication/assembly shop that works mostly on millitary projects. I have gained a lot of manufacturing and machining experience from this job. I have a lot of autocad experience and some pro/e solid modelling experience. I've tried posting my resume on the major manufacturers web sites, but this approach doesn't seem very effective. Does anyone have any advice on how to get started into this industry? Does anyone know of any good leads?

 

[DSH]

Check out

http://www.nortonamerica.com.

The Norton rights have been won after a lengthy court battle costing more than a million dollars. These guys are serious. Good luck.

 

[okeng]

My advice may not be worth much as I tried the same thing when I got out of school with no success. Did get some rejection letters personally signed by some pretty big-name ex-motocross stars.

I do, however, have more experience now as far as dealing with companies and people.

Most of the jap bike companies have offices and even manufacturing plants in the US.

There is no substitute for knowing someone.
You won't get anywhere talking to anyone in a Human Resources department.
Spend a lot of time on the phone talking to anyone who will talk to you. Talk to the sales reps--the local dealer will tell you who his regional rep is and sometimes you find one of those fellows who is helpful and knows everyone. Eventually you will get to the engineering and testing departments.

Another possibility is the racing departments. Don't underestimate the value of mobility--if you are young, unattached, and willing to travel with the race teams, that's something you can offer that guys like me (with experience but also families, farms, mortgages, etc.) can't do.

The Norton deal is worth following--the pictures of the bike are gorgeous, and they are building their own engines.

Good Luck and stick with it.