Lead Engineer — Off‑Road Vehicle Projects

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

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Project Leader to guide engineering programs for off-road vehicle development. You will provide technical leadership, influence design decisions, and balance cost, schedule, and performance to deliver market-ready products.

The role requires strong engineering judgment, 5+ years of experience in consumer product development, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Competitive compensation, health benefits, and a profit-sharing culture are provided.

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.

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.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Critical thinking

Customer focus

Communication

Cost estimation

Creo

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Creo

Job description

Polaris Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Project Leader to guide engineering programs for off-road vehicle development. You will provide technical leadership, influence design decisions, and balance cost, schedule, and performance to deliver market-ready products.

The role requires strong engineering judgment, 5+ years of experience in consumer product development, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Competitive compensation, health benefits, and a profit-sharing culture are provided.