Powertrain Development Technician

Polaris Inc.; Wyoming (OH); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Wyoming, Minnesota, is seeking a Powertrain Lab Technician to join the Development team. You will build, disassemble, instrument, test, and evaluate engines, CVTs, gearcases, and complete vehicles in lab and field settings.

Working with engineers, you will set up test hardware and data acquisition systems, analyze results, and help ensure powertrain reliability under real-world conditions. A technical degree or equivalent experience, strong attention to detail, and good

Qualifications

• Technical degree related to powersports.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working with powersports or small engines may be accepted in place of the technical degree.
• Solid understanding of internal combustion engines, CVTs, and gearcases.
• Proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and field-testing activities independently in support of engineering development and validation programs.
• Operate and evaluate off-road vehicles in laboratory and field environments to assess powertrain performance and durability.
• Build, disassemble, and instrument engines, CVTs, transmissions, and complete vehicles for development and testing activities.
• Perform detailed engine and transmission teardowns and inspections, documenting findings thoroughly.
• Set up powertrain hardware and instrumentation according to test requirements and specifications.
• Set up and operate data acquisition systems and related testing software.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze test data while ensuring data integrity.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems to identify issues and support resolution.

Skills

Powersports knowledge

Engine diagnostics

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Valid driver's license

Safety awareness

Lift up to 50 pounds

Education

Technical degree related to powersports

Tools

ETAS INCA

AIM

Test data acquisition software

Windows

Excel

Word

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: Join the Polaris Powertrain Development team at the Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minnesota, supporting the development, testing, and validation of powertrain technologies for off‑road vehicles. Working alongside engineers and technical experts, you will build, disassemble, inspect, instrument, test, and evaluate engines, continuously variable transmissions, transmissions, and complete vehicles. Your technical skills, attention to detail, and passion for powersports will contribute to the successful integration of reliable powertrain systems into Polaris vehicles. This hands‑on role provides ownership of laboratory and field‑testing activities that assess powertrain performance, durability, and system behavior under intended operating conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and field‑testing activities independently in support of engineering development and validation programs.
• Operate and evaluate off‑road vehicles in laboratory and field environments to assess powertrain performance, durability, and system behavior under intended operating conditions.
• Build, disassemble, and instrument engines, continuously variable transmissions, transmissions, and complete vehicles for development and testing activities.
• Perform detailed engine and transmission teardowns and inspections, documenting findings thoroughly and accurately.
• Set up powertrain hardware and instrumentation according to test requirements and engineering specifications.
• Set up and operate data acquisition systems and related testing software.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze test data while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all recorded information.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems to identify issues and support effective resolution.
• Create, maintain, document, and improve testing processes, methods, and procedures to support efficient, consistent, and repeatable testing.
• Maintain the confidentiality of proprietary information.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with OSHA requirements and 5S methodology.

Desired Competencies

• Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply the required technical or professional knowledge to perform your role effectively and stay current within your area of expertise.
• Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and apply sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Accountability: You take ownership of your responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and hold yourself to high standards for quality and results.

Qualifications

• Technical degree related to powersports.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working with powersports or small engines may be accepted in place of the technical degree.
• Solid understanding of internal combustion engines, continuously variable transmissions, and gearcases.
• Proficiency in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Strong attention to detail, a process‑oriented approach, and the ability to complete high‑quality work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to safely operate and evaluate off‑road vehicles in laboratory and field testing environments.
• Ability to work around machinery, engines, moving parts, and hazardous chemicals in a professional vehicle testing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to ETAS INCA, AIM, or similar testing and data acquisition software is preferred.
• Familiarity with vehicle electrical systems, wiring, schematic reading, fabrication, machining, welding, Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, and digital photography is preferred.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

$23.60 to $31.25 per hour, plus eligibility for overtime. Individual pay 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). At Polaris, the need for diverse perspectives and experiences enables our vision of Best People, Best Team. We value our differences and align our passions to do great work. As a highly efficient growth company, we are driven to be agile and adaptable to support our customers. At Polaris we unite to create memorable adventures. Learn more at http://www.polaris.com/careers