Product Development Engineer (Hard Parts)

Polaris Inc.; Rigby (ID); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. is seeking a Product Development Engineer for our Rigby, ID location. This role requires expertise in mechanical engineering and CAD modeling to support product development for helmets and accessories that enhance rider safety and comfort.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in product development, strong problem-solving abilities, and a solid background in manufacturing methods. Join us to help deliver high-quality, innovative products.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of product development experience.
• Expert-level CAD modeling skills, including surface modeling.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Drive mechanical design and development for helmets and accessories from concept through production.
• Create detailed 3-D CAD models and assemblies.
• Conduct engineering analysis including material selection and loading.

Skills

CAD modeling

Problem solving

Collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Creo

Job description

Position Overview

A Product Development Engineer will support the product development for hard parts and accessories for the Klim and 509 brands at Teton Outfitters in Rigby, ID. In this role, you will contribute across the full product development lifecycle, from early concepts through production-ready designs, with a focus on products that support rider safety, comfort, and performance (e.g., helmets, goggles). You will use CAD expertise, mechanical engineering knowledge, prototyping, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to help deliver manufacturable products that meet performance and quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the mechanical design and development of helmets and other hard parts and accessories from concept through production.
• Create detailed 3‑D CAD models and assemblies that communicate product function, design intent, and manufacturability.
• Apply design for manufacturing and design for assembly practices to support high‑quality, cost‑effective production across a range of manufacturing processes.
• Build and test prototypes using methods such as 3‑D printing, CNC machining, thermoforming, silicone molding, resin casting, and other shop tools to validate concepts and product function.
• Design and execute product testing protocols using custom fixtures, sensors, and data acquisition tools.
• Conduct engineering analysis, including material selection, mechanical loading, fatigue, and tolerance studies.
• Use test data and field feedback to evaluate, iterate, and improve designs before launch.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support a smooth transition from development to mass production.
• Collaborate with industrial design, product management, sourcing, factory engineering, and other internal stakeholders to align on performance, timeline, and brand goals.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing hands‑on engineering work, documentation, planning, and communication.

Desired Competencies

• Collaboration: work effectively with others across functions and levels, contributing to shared goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Problem Solving: identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Technical/Functional Expertise: apply strong professional knowledge to work, making sound, informed decisions and consistently delivering high‑quality results within your area of responsibility.
• Project Management: effectively plan, prioritize, and execute work across multiple initiatives, managing timelines, resources, and competing demands to achieve successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of product development experience.
• Expert‑level CAD modeling skills, including surface modeling.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS and/or Creo.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methods such as plastic injection molding, advanced composite manufacturing, extrusion molding, metal casting, metal injection molding, heat staking, and gluing.
• Hands‑on prototyping experience using methods such as 3‑D printing, CNC machining, thermoforming, silicone molding, and resin casting.
• Experience with product testing, performance validation, and analysis.
• Ability to manage technical projects from initial concept through production.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Preferred experience in powersports, outdoor gear, overseas supplier collaboration, stage‑gate product development, test rig development, validation equipment, or regulatory and durability testing for off‑road or vehicle‑mounted products.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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

EEO Statement

Teton Outfitters 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.