Engineering Project Leader

Polaris Inc; Wyoming (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a Project Leader for recreational vehicle development to provide technical leadership across engineering programs, guiding decisions that influence performance, quality, and market success of off-road vehicles.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, integrate customer insights, and deliver products meeting cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years engineering experience leading projects, preferably in consumer product development, powersports, automotive, or vehicle development.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive technical decisions.
• Broad knowledge of engineering principles and procedures for complex challenges.
• Strong creativity, innovation, and decision-making skills.
• Quality-focused with understanding of customer needs and product performance expectations.
• Experience estimating and managing component, tooling, and project costs.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools; Creo preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and performance deliverables through integrated product team meetings.
• Lead cross-functional teams (5–20 members) to influence design and development of off-road vehicle components and systems.
• Develop innovative concepts and solutions to improve customer satisfaction and identify new market opportunities.
• Benchmark products, technologies, materials, and processes to inform decisions.
• Apply Polaris product development process to ensure successful program delivery.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee technical assignments while evaluating progress.
• Develop cost estimates for components, tooling, and development activities.
• Coordinate engineering development, testing, drafting, layout, prototyping, and fabrication.
• Lead and participate in design reviews to ensure technical rigor and alignment.
• Analyze field issues, drive root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Represent Polaris in engineering, industry, and standards activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Position Overview

As a Project Leader supporting recreational vehicle development, you will provide technical leadership across engineering programs and projects, guiding design decisions that influence the performance, quality, and market success of off-road vehicle products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, integrate customer insights, and deliver products that meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

This role offers the opportunity to influence high-visibility product outcomes while helping shape future vehicle capabilities across the Polaris Off Road Vehicle portfolio. Success in this position requires strong engineering judgment, project leadership skills, and the ability to drive alignment across multiple stakeholders while balancing customer expectations, technical requirements, quality, timing, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and performance deliverables through integrated product team meetings, leading cross-functional teams ranging from approximately 5 to 20 members.
• Influence the design and development of off-road vehicle components and systems to support product competitiveness, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Develop innovative concepts and solutions that improve customer satisfaction and identify new market opportunities.
• Benchmark competitive products, technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to inform engineering decisions.
• Apply the Polaris product development process to ensure consistent execution and successful program delivery.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee technical assignments while evaluating project progress and results.
• Develop cost estimates for components, tooling, and development activities while monitoring project financial performance.
• Coordinate engineering development, testing, drafting, layout, prototyping, and fabrication activities to achieve project objectives and schedules.
• Lead and participate in design reviews to ensure technical rigor and cross-functional alignment.
• Analyze field issues, drive root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Represent Polaris in engineering, industry, and standards-related activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Competencies

Technical / Functional Expertise: Applies engineering knowledge and technical expertise to effectively solve problems, support product development, and deliver business results while maintaining current knowledge within the field.

Project Leadership: Effectively leads cross-functional teams, balances competing priorities, and drives projects to successful completion while meeting cost, quality, and schedule objectives.

Critical Thinking: Analyzes information objectively, evaluates options, and applies sound judgment to solve complex technical and business challenges.

Customer Focus: Understands customer needs and uses feedback, data, and market insights to improve products, processes, and user experiences.

Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and business teams to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with demonstrated success leading engineering projects, preferably in consumer product development, powersports, automotive, or vehicle development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, balance competing priorities, and drive technical decisions throughout product development.
• Broad knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and procedures applied to complex technical challenges.
• Strong creativity, innovation, and decision-making skills.
• Quality-focused with a strong understanding of customer needs and product performance expectations.
• Experience estimating and managing component, tooling, and project costs.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools; experience with Creo preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project leadership skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across multiple functions.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Occasional travel may be required to support suppliers, testing activities, manufacturing locations, and project objectives.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The starting pay range for Minnesota is $81,000 to $107,000 per year. Individual salaries and positioning within the range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. While individual pay could fall anywhere in the range based on these factors, it is not common to start at the high end or top of the range.

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

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE.

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarded for their commitment.

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).