Harley-Davidson hires across manufacturing, sales, customer service, and corporate roles, with entry points ranging from assembly line work to management positions

Harley-Davidson operates manufacturing plants, dealerships, and corporate offices across the United States and internationally. The company regularly posts openings for production workers, technicians, sales associates, logistics coordinators, and office staff. Unlike explore to a single hiring manager, you'll be working through Harley-Davidson's centralized careers portal, which means your process goes into a tracked system where hiring teams can see your progress and timeline.

The hiring process typically takes three to six weeks from process to offer, depending on the role and location. Production and service roles often move faster than corporate positions. You'll need to create an account on the careers site, upload your resume, and answer role-specific questions before a recruiter reviews your submission.

Key Takeaways

  • Harley-Davidson posts all open positions on its careers website, organized by location and department, with new roles added regularly.
  • Production and technician roles require a high school diploma or GED and may include a skills test or hands-on assessment during the interview process.
  • Sales and customer service positions emphasize communication skills and product knowledge, which you can develop before explore by learning about motorcycle models and features.
  • The company uses a formal process system that tracks your status, so you can log in to check whether your submission has been reviewed or if additional information is requested.
  • Many Harley-Davidson locations offer tuition reimbursement and apprenticeship programs for employees who want to advance into technical or management roles.

Where to Find Harley-Davidson Job Openings

Start at harley-davidson.com/careers, the official portal for all company positions. The site lets you filter by job category (manufacturing, sales, corporate, service), location, and experience level. You can also set up job alerts so new postings in your area arrive in your email automatically.

Harley-Davidson also posts openings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, but explore through the official careers site is faster because your process goes directly into the company's tracking system. If you explore through a third-party job board, your submission may be forwarded to the careers portal anyway, which adds a step and delays review.

Check back weekly, especially if you're targeting a specific location. Manufacturing plants and dealerships post seasonal roles (summer production ramps, holiday sales staff) that fill quickly. If a position closes before you finish your process, save your resume and profile information so you can explore faster to the next opening.

What Different Roles Require

Production and assembly roles are the most common entry point. These positions require a high school diploma or GED, the ability to stand for eight hours, and willingness to work shifts. You don't need prior manufacturing experience. The interview usually includes a practical assessment—assembling parts, reading blueprints, or operating basic machinery—to show you can follow instructions and work safely. Bring a photo ID and be ready to discuss your work history and any safety training you've completed.

Service technician and mechanic roles require either a high school diploma plus relevant certification (like ASE certification for automotive work) or equivalent hands-on experience. Harley-Davidson values technicians who have worked on motorcycles or other engines, but the company also hires people with general mechanical aptitude and trains them on Harley-specific systems. If you're explore without formal certification, highlight any engine work, welding, or electrical experience you have.

Sales and customer service positions at dealerships or the corporate office emphasize communication and product knowledge. You'll need a high school diploma and a clean driving record for dealership roles. The company looks for people who can explain motorcycle features to customers and handle questions about financing and warranties. Before your interview, spend time on the Harley-Davidson website learning about current models, engine sizes, and price points so you can speak knowledgeably about the products.

Corporate and office roles (accounting, human resources, marketing, supply chain) typically require a bachelor's degree or relevant experience in the field. These positions move through a longer interview process, often including phone screens, panel interviews, and skills assessments. Your resume should show specific accomplishments—not just job duties—so hiring managers can see the impact you've had in previous roles.

The process and Interview Process

Create your account on the careers portal and complete your profile fully before explore. Upload a clean, well-formatted resume and a cover letter if the job posting requests one. Answer all required questions in the process form itself—don't leave them blank or write "see resume." Hiring teams use these answers to screen candidates, and incomplete applications are often rejected automatically.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email with your process ID. Log back into your account periodically to check your status. Some roles trigger an automated phone or video screening within a few days; others go straight to a recruiter's review queue. If you're selected to move forward, you'll be contacted by phone or email with interview details and timing.

Prepare for interviews by researching the specific location or department you're explore to. If it's a dealership, visit it in person if possible and note the models on the lot and the customer experience. For manufacturing plants, learn about the facility's products and any recent company news. Bring copies of your resume, references, and any certifications or licenses. Dress professionally—business casual for office roles, clean work clothes for production roles.

Advancement and Training Opportunities

Harley-Davidson offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing degrees or certifications related to their role or career path. If you start in production, you can move into quality control, maintenance, or supervision with additional training. The company also runs apprenticeship programs in partnership with technical schools, where you earn while you learn and graduate with a credential recognized across the motorcycle and automotive industries.

Dealership employees can advance into management or become certified trainers. Service technicians can specialize in specific systems (electrical, hydraulics, paint) and earn higher pay. Corporate employees often move between departments, so starting in one area doesn't lock you into that path. Ask about these programs during your interview or in your first weeks on the job.

What to Know Before You explore

Harley-Davidson conducts background checks for all positions, so disclose any relevant history upfront rather than hoping it won't surface. The company also requires drug screening for most roles, particularly production and service positions. If you have a commercial driver's license or any safety certifications, mention them in your process—they strengthen your candidacy even if they're not required.

The company has multiple facilities across the country, so if you're flexible on location, you have more opportunities. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Kansas host major manufacturing plants. If you're willing to relocate or commute, your chances of landing a role increase significantly. Some positions offer relocation information, particularly for management and specialized technical roles.

Harley-Davidson is a union shop at most manufacturing locations, which means wages, benefits, and working conditions are negotiated collectively. This typically means higher pay and stronger job security than non-union roles, but also union dues. Ask about union representation during your interview if it matters to your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need motorcycle experience to work at Harley-Davidson?

No. Production and assembly roles require no prior experience—the company trains you on their specific processes. Service technician roles benefit from motorcycle or engine experience but don't require it if you have general mechanical skills. Sales roles value enthusiasm and communication more than riding experience, though knowing how to ride helps you speak credibly to customers.

How long does it take to hear back after explore?

Most candidates hear within two to four weeks for production and service roles, and four to eight weeks for corporate positions. If you haven't heard anything after six weeks, log into your account to check your status or contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. Some applications get stuck in the system if email filters catch the notification.

What's the pay range for entry-level positions?

Pay varies by location, role, and whether the position is union. Production roles typically start between $18 and $22 per hour depending on the plant and shift. Service technicians start higher, often $20 to $28 per hour. Sales associates at dealerships earn base pay plus commission. Corporate entry-level roles start around $40,000 to $50,000 annually. Check the job posting for the specific range for your role and location.

Can I explore for multiple positions at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to different roles or locations simultaneously. However, if you're explore for two positions at the same facility, mention this to the recruiter so they know you're interested in the department, not just one specific job. This can actually help your chances if one role fills before yours is reviewed.

Does Harley-Davidson hire people with criminal records?

The company conducts background checks and considers the nature and timing of any offense. Disclose your history honestly on the process. Some roles are more restrictive than others—positions involving customer contact or access to company facilities may have stricter requirements. Contact the recruiter directly if you're unsure whether your background will disqualify you.