Digital Animation Intern

Polaris Inc; Medina (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a Digital Animation Intern to help bring design concepts to life through 2D and 3D animation. You will work with design, industrial, and engineering teams to create visual stories that communicate design intent and customer experiences.

This role blends artistic creativity with technical execution, providing an opportunity to contribute to concept development, product visualization, and immersive brand experiences across Polaris product lines.

Qualifications

• Portfolio showcasing 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, or digital storytelling work.
• Experience with industry-standard animation software is required.
• Understanding of animation timing, composition, storytelling, and visual communication.
• Strong creative problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D animations that communicate vehicle designs, features, and user experiences.
• Develop motion graphics and visual storytelling assets for design reviews and presentations.
• Support the creation of product reveal videos and concept visualizations.
• Animate vehicle components, systems, and interactions to illustrate functionality and design intent.
• Collaborate with design teams throughout the design process.
• Assist in preparing digital assets for rendering, visualization, animation, and immersive experiences.
• Utilize industry-standard software to produce high-quality content.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute ideas for communicating concepts.
• Refine animations based on feedback while maintaining timelines.
• Explore real-time rendering, VR, or interactive experiences when applicable.

Skills

Portfolio

Collaboration

Animation principles

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor/Master in Animation

Tools

Blender

Maya

Cinema 4D

After Effects

Unreal Engine

Job description

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to Think Outside.

Job Summary

At Polaris, our Design team is responsible for creating the next generation of powersports vehicles and experiences. As a Digital Animation Intern, you will help bring design concepts, products, and user experiences to life through compelling 2D and 3D animation. You will work alongside industrial designers, digital modelers, engineers, and creative professionals to create visual stories that communicate design intent, vehicle functionality, and customer experiences.

This role blends artistic creativity with technical execution, providing an opportunity to contribute to concept development, product visualization, design reviews, and immersive brand experiences across Polaris product lines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D animations that communicate vehicle designs, features, and user experiences.
• Develop motion graphics and visual storytelling assets for design reviews, presentations, and concept proposals.
• Support the creation of product reveal videos, concept visualizations, and future mobility experience demonstrations.
• Animate vehicle components, systems, and interactions to illustrate functionality and design intent.
• Collaborate with Industrial Designers, Digital Modelers, CMF Designers, Human Factors teams, and Studio Engineers throughout the design process.
• Assist in preparing digital assets for rendering, visualization, animation, and immersive experiences.
• Utilize industry-standard animation and visualization software to create high-quality content.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas for communicating design concepts.
• Refine animations based on stakeholder feedback while maintaining visual quality and project timelines.
• Support emerging visualization technologies such as real-time rendering, virtual reality, or interactive design experiences when applicable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Animation, Motion Design, Digital Media, Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Visualization, or a related field.
• _ REQUIRED _ : Demonstrated portfolio showcasing 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, visualization, or digital storytelling work.
• Experience with industry-standard animation and visualization software such as Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, After Effects, Unreal Engine, or similar tools.
• Understanding of animation principles, timing, composition, storytelling, and visual communication.
• Strong creative problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback into design solutions.

The salary range for this position is $19.50 to $30.75 per hour. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography.

Important Note:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. All applicants must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and not require sponsorship for employment now or in the future.

To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line‑up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side‑by‑side off‑road vehicles; Sportsman® all‑terrain off‑road vehicles; military and commercial off‑road vehicles; snowmobiles; Slingshot® moto‑roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry‑leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

EEO Statement

Polaris Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment‑related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Applicants with a disability that are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, or otherwise need assistance or an accommodation in the recruiting process, should contact Human Resources at 800-765-2747 or [e-mail]. To read more about employment discrimination protection under U.S. federal law, see: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).